Duckling surveys
Duckling surveys were carried out across the reserve by staff and volunteers in July to assess the breeding season for ducks, geese and swans.
With its range of ditches, pools, ponds as well as reeds, rushes and grasses, the Ouse Washes is a perfect place for breeding ducks and other water birds. Each spring and summer young ducklings and chicks can be seen from the bird hides, but what about the rest of the reserve?
A few weeks ago, reserve staff and volunteers ventured out onto the washes, counting the young water birds they saw along the 35km of ditches and pools. By counting the young birds we can gauge the success of each breeding year.
Highlights from 2019 include 23 shoveler ducklings, 18 gadwall, 34 mallard and of course, our resident whooper swans with 3 cygnets.
