Muscovy ducks are unusual Florida residents. They hiss instead of quack, they fly clumsily, and they somehow flourish in Florida’s urban environment. Native to Central and South America, they have lived in Florida for many years and can be found near lakes and canals statewide. These birds were illegally released primarily by private individuals for ornamental purposes or as pets. Muscovy ducks can be extremely prolific and local populations can increase dramatically in a short time. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance. When you have a large number of ducklings multiple times a year, a duck mother is kept busy herding.
It’s hard to get your ducks in a row.
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…it’s good to have all of your ducks in a row!
They are super cute but I can see how they could be viewed as problematic. We have ducks on our pond too but they have natural predators so while it’s heartbreaking to see a momma duck with tons of baby ducklings at the start of the season and only 2 or 3 by season’s end it is nature’s way of assuring they don’t take over.
Great photos and those little ones are so cute! I have often thought how lovely it would be to live on a lake.
Your photos are charming, Carol. I don’t believe they can flourish here as the hawks and other raptors would find them as an easy dinner, although our geese population is growing.
Tulsa’s ponds have a large population of former pets including lots of muscovy ducks. They are pains in the rear to me! Ugly and aggressive.
Beautiful skies. I’ve never heard of hissing ducks!
you’re not missing anything!
They can be very messy too. You commented on my blog post Summer storms . And I too live in Central Florida
no wonder your skies looked familiar!
Lindos patitos te mando un beso.
Beautiful.
Oh wow! They do have a lot of ducklings. Imagine trying to keep that many children together, I used to struggle with two. lol.
I taught young children for several years out of college – they don’t line up well either!
Great photos! Love seeing the baby ducks!
Have a blessed day!
As you know, I really love ducks. These are a beautiful strain we don’t see here often!
This is so beautiful Carol. There are so many little ducklings. I hope there aren’t alligators in the lake. Have a great weekend.
Cruisin Paul
no gators in this lake or mom wouldn’t be there with babies
They are so cute! I started to count them. It’s like a kindergarten! 🙂
I know they’re considered invasive, but honestly those babies all in a row, who couldn’t love them? (Don’t answer that, I really do already know. They are kind of like Canada Geese up here. I have a real love-hate relationship with them.)
I love them and sometimes I strongly dislike them. They are not as smart as say a wood duck. They will run from the smaller duck when it gets aggressive. I’ve seen it. I do have a thing for most animals and love babies (not insects! or snakes! or spiders!)