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Project Noah Nature School
Carina moschata
This Muscovy duckling is the only surviving one of five that were born about 5 weeks ago. It has more than doubled in size since them. Sadly, for some unknown reason, its mother has abandoned it and, being unable to fly, its chances for survival don't look good. It is only just starting to show signs of feathers on his tail.
Along an inland fresh water canal in western Boca Raton, FL
The baby stays during part of the day with the other Muscovies, including its mother, who visit my backyard. But when they all fly away, he frantically cheeps and walks all over looking for his mom, who does not come, so he spends the night alone somewhere. I am not sure why his mother abandoned him so long before he could fly, though she still sees him from time to time. Muscovy females are supposed to be good mothers though that does not appear to be the case here.
Spotted on Jul 20, 2013
Submitted on Jul 20, 2013
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