[quack!]

A couple of weeks ago I noticed a pair of Wood Ducks here have a brood of young ones (was 9 to begin with, now down to 8). I thought it a bit odd because I've never seen them with ducklings at this time of year. I did a bit of a google and according to BiB, the breeding season is reportedly September to November in my part of the world. I know a lot of birds can raise more than one brood a year if conditions are favourable, but I'm wondering if what I'm observing is a little unusual, or very unusual?

Also, I was checking them out just now (that's when I noticed the absence of one baby) and the male put his head down and hissed at me as they do. I didn't approach any closer, just stood and watched. They crossed over the little roadway next to my place to another grassy area where there were another pair of adult birds. The father put his head down, extended neck and chased of after them. He spent a good twenty or thirty seconds driving the other birds off. my question is why would he bother doing that, what threat would those other two Woodies pose?

[GeraldCortis]

To the first question .. All Australian birds are opportunistic at breeding whenever the conditions are favourable.

The second question is simply territorial.

[dittygari]

Woodies are great birds yes, they do breed when water and food levels seem sufficient ... and they certain see off intruders! In our nearby town, being on the riverfront, Woodies have taken over, and regularly cross main roads, graze`median strips and parks, and drink from the roadside gutters

[GeraldCortis]

Woodies are great birds yes, they do breed when water and food levels seem sufficient ... and they certain see off intruders! In our nearby town, being on the riverfront, Woodies have taken over, and regularly cross main roads, graze`median strips and parks, and drink from the roadside gutters

Noted in Renmark, woodies granted pedestrian status by cars.

[Buincchotourbss]

Also, I was checking them out just now (that's when I noticed the absence of one baby) and the male put his head down and hissed at me as they do. I didn't approach any closer, just stood and watched. They crossed over the little roadway next to my place to another grassy area where there were another pair of adult birds. The father put his head down, extended neck and chased of after them. He spent a good twenty or thirty seconds driving the other birds off. my question is why would he bother doing that, what threat would those other two Woodies pose?

Some species of duck are known to steel other pairs young! supposedly to increase the chance of their young surviving ie lower probability of your young being taken if they are in a large group.
But I also think they are also just plain Grumpy.

[soonahonsefalh]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neomyrtus/7147436199
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neomyrtus/7001350616

The local swans have been having some out of season chicks - just singletons and not a batch

[RooxiaNof]

"... On Southern Tablelands, hatchings 1981 - 83, 21 Sept. - 18 Nov., depending on climatic conditions; two broods were observed in autumn. Probably everywhere much controlled by rainfall and growth of green grass; ... "

Ref: HANZAB



Australian Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata.

[teergoBissono]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neomyrtus/7147436199
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neomyrtus/7001350616

cute little fluffykins - how could you ever call them "ugly ducklings".