To the Death - a photo on Flickriver

To the Death

            I've always seen ducks floating along on lakes, looking very peaceful. I had no idea what happened to them during breeding season, though. Sure, we've all seen the wildlife videos of male animals fighting to win mating rights to the females, but somehow, when it's a fight between ducks, it just doesn't seem like it would be much of anything. Boy, was I ever wrong!

These two male Muscovy ducks could be seen and heard all the way across the lake, and it's pretty big. The females were watching from shore as they battled it out. By the time I got close, the smaller of the ducks was desperately trying to get away from the larger, but the big duck was ruthless and almost drowned him twice as I was photographing the scene. The violence of it was shocking to me, and even after the weaker duck was completely subdued and dragging itself onshore, the other male was attacking with ferocity. This was shot just before the two made it ashore. 

Both I and another lady tried to help the injured duck, but it wouldn't allow us to touch it. It had a broken leg, was bitten up all over, and was shaking in pain. It was pretty hard to watch, but nothing more than the way nature guarantees that the new flock of ducklings will be strong, like their father, not weak like the victim of the attack. 

In the end, I had to walk away, unable to do anything, and very upset. The larger duck went back after the victim as soon as I left, so I have no doubt in my mind that he died from his injuries. Yes, nature can be cruel.

Taken on: November 17, 2017

Tags:

To the Death

male ducks fighting

ducks

Muscovy Ducks

animals

birds

wildlife

wings

feathers

swimming

splashing

water

lake

fight

Reed Canal Park

South Daytona, Florida

AB Waterbirds « less

Sets appears in: • Reed Canal Park And Its Wildlife • Ducks

Groups appears in: • Animal Planet • AB Waterbirds

Stats: 2,075 views / 18 comments

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