>Yesterday (5 Aug.) on the Waterville Plateau I noted a Ruddy Duck hen with 3
>"day-old" ducklings. The young were no older than 2 or 3 days at the most.
>Is this a late date for this species?
>
>Scott Ray

Ruddy Ducks are the latest-nesting ducks, and it is common to see young in
August. As you also see young in June, I've often wondered if these could
be second broods, but it may be that they represent renesting after nest
destruction. Even then, it seems late. There's so much in the literature
about waterfowl that I suspect some of this is known, but I haven't looked
into it.

Dennis Paulson, Director phone 206-756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax 206-756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416