We’ve been waiting for a clutch of black bellied whistling ducks to hatch from our wood duck house. After the hatching in June, Jeff cleaned out the house. I requested that he leave it open in case we would get another mother. You leave it, they will come. And sure enough on June 24 or so, the new mother began sitting.
On Sunday, I noticed the little bee patterned babies hatching in the house. (We use a Ring doorbell camera, so we can watch from the phone.) On Monday morning, I opened the app to watch the baby ducklings climb up and jump out. Similar to wood ducks, the whistlers also jump 24 hours after hatching.
Unfortunately, the camera stopped recording. Low battery. We have a solar panel that charges the battery and Jeff supposed that since the trees are full, the panel doesn’t get as much light. What a time for the battery to fail!
After my coffee, I perched outside to watch the Jump Day festivities.
The whistlers gather around. There were four of them whistling and carrying on. I waited.
While I waited a beautiful blue heron flew by.
Finally, one of the ducklings jumped out. Let’s call him Eager. The mother soon followed and more babies jumped. I counted seven total.
Interestingly, the mother and father ducks chased off the other whistlers that had gathered. The couple alone led the ducklings.
Eager, the little rogue, jumped in and paddled off on his own. Father went after him.
I’m afraid that was my signal to go inside and let nature do as nature does. I don’t know if Eager was reunited with his family, but for the sake of a happy ending, let’s say he was.
Reflections on the Teche 
What a perfect little morning story. I love the name, Eager.
This entire post is miracle after miracle. Thanks for sharing!
How cool that you were able to catch so much of this on video! I had fun this summer watching chicken school- observing the parents guiding their chicks day by day.
First, I love that you named him Eager! I am so glad you could add a video as I was NOT expecting the little ducklings to be so little! I could have sat and watched them all day long. What a lovely spot! Thanks for sharing this nature event here.
Those adorable feathery fluff balls made my day! Thank you for sharing their story and adding to it with all the amazing photos and videos.
I watched every video! What a wonderful place, to have and to use, where you can-
“After my coffee, I perched outside to watch the Jump Day festivities” (my favorite line)
I love seeing the videos, but it’s just about as much fun to read your narration!
Thanks for such a great description of the “Jump Day festivities.” I felt like I was right there with you. How fun!
I just have the biggest smile on my face! I shared your video (from somewhere–Facebook?) with Kurt last night and we both loved it. I can’t believe how LOUD they are, and so aptly named. I was so happy to read this today and get to see more pictures and videos. You and Jeff have become quite the duck whisperers, and we’re all the luckier for it! PS I’m with you on choosing a happy ending. Go, Eager!
Margaret,
Thank you for bringing us with you to the Jump Day festivities through your words and videos. So exciting! And so peaceful!
Margaret, thank you for sharing your videos and your wonderful slice. Pure joy! Observing any baby animal or a human baby is pure joy to me.
Those whistlers are so tall and loud. I am used to mallards. My girls and I used to watch mallard mamas and chicks at a local park. I love when the ducklings waddle behind mama, then amazingly swim so gracefully. Thank you for the link to your other ducklings.
Another gift of pure joy-your video of the blue heron! Thank you, your whole post made my day but below is a favorite part:
“After my coffee, I perched outside to watch the Jump Day festivities.
The whistlers gather around. There were four of them whistling and carrying on. I waited.
While I waited a beautiful blue heron flew by.”
Thanks Gail. It was definitely a blessing to watch this early morning scene.