Subject: Duckling predators
Date: Apr 30 14:48:00 1997
From: KitEllis at aol.com - KitEllis at aol.com


At our small, shallow lake in the woods on the Gig Harbor Peninsula, the
caretaker reported there have been two river otters and that the number of
ducks, mostly Wood Ducks and Mallards, has dropped significantly. I don't
remember having heard of river otters in this area. Does anyone know if their
numbers have increased in our area, or is it just bad luck that they were
recognized at the same time the duck population dropped?

Maureen Ellis in her 4/24 Des Moines Marina birding item said
<<Other people watching mentioned that wharf rats seemed to be the
main predator threat to water fowl-lings at the Marina. Maybe, but there
are Raccoons, Bald eagles, Sharp-shinned hawks, River otters (will they
eat birds, too?), and big fish with big teeth (like Ling cod) here that
would probably grab one quick. >>

Kit Ellis
Gig Harbor, WA