Advice

Advice about fledglings

Advice about fledglings

Need advice about fledglings, including how to recognise them, how to check for parents, what to do in the event of cat interaction, and when not to intervene?

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Mallard Facts – Help Reduce Duck-nappings!

  • It is common for mallard hens to leave their ducklings to go feed (in peace 😊).
  • These ‘brood-breaks’ can last for over 2 hours.
  • It should not be assumed that ducklings encountered without a hen present have been abandoned.
  • It is rare for a hen to abandon her ducklings unless under severe duress e.g. constant predator (includes humans) harassment.
  • Unless you are certain a hen has been killed, i.e. have witnessed this occurring, please leave duckling where you found them.
  • If you observe the ducklings at a distance for 3 hours and the hen has not returned to them, then it may be reasonable to assume they have been abandoned.
  • Signs you need to get involved occur when there is a single duckling or a group in a highly agitated state, peeping loudly and unable to settle.

HELP PREVENT DUCKLING-NAPPINGS!

For more information you can also contact Fish and Game

07 849 1666

Mallard duckling – Photo by Simon Runting

Advice for reducing window strikes

Here is some information on how to help to prevent birds from flying into closed windows:

Window strike mainly occurs when birds think they can see a way through your house through one window and out the other or can see a significant reflection of trees or sky. It is important to break up the line of sight or reflection by closing curtains, adding nets or blinds, using bird deterrent window stickers or decorating windows with ‘Zen Wind Curtains’ linked below, or similar items.

Birds also frequently hit windows when bird feeders are placed outside the windows. This may provide the resident humans with a great view of the birds – but it puts the birds in danger of hitting the window if they are scared and fly off in a hurry.

Here are some great resources on preventing window strike:

https://worldbirds.com/how-to-stop-birds-from-flying-into-windows/

https://www.featherfriendly.com/

https://projectkereru.org.nz/preventing-window-strike

https://matukulink.org.nz/product/dragonflies/

We also love the look of this DIY option – Acopian BirdSavers or Zen Wind Curtains. This site has great instructions!

https://birdseedandbinoculars.com/wordpress/reducing-bird-strikes-diy-birdsavers-prject/

Thank you for caring and for making the world a safer place for wonderful wild birds!