Done a Runner?

I wish that were the case. The other morning, 13 January 2010, I found no Runner Ducks in their hut. None to be seen in the dim Winter’s light. Checked the croft, all their usual spots, and the surrounding area. Nothing. Back to the enclosure and closer inspection revealed straw pulled out of their home, mixed with a few feathers.



what’s left

In the improving light, I saw that one female was still tucked in the back of the housing. El Ultimo Pato? The last duck standing.

I feel responsible, as livestock should be protected. What happened? I’m told mink leave a mess and usually some bits and pieces. I’ve also heard that they sometimes just suck the blood of hens from the neck and leave entire carcases.

Other possibilities? Sea otters, which I would guess would drag its prey back to the deep water. Hawks or eagles? Overnight seems unlikely.The landscape has been frozen-over for more than a fortnight, though, so it’s a proverbial dog-eat-dog situation for wildlife. A snipe, which usually stays in the deep rushes, had been lingering around the house. A whooper swan lost his mate(s) and spent a couple days on the front lawn.

The ducks and drakes had been behaving oddly over the previous three days -- staying mostly inside, not eating much. Were they aware of a predator? Or were they just fed-up with the cold weather and the approaching-gale force south-easterlies?

More questions than answers here, I am afraid.