Duck family in Vienna: Chicks in danger – who will save them?

Duck family in Vienna: Chicks in danger – who will save them?

A touching animal story is currently unfolding in a charming courtyard on Kolonitzgasse in Vienna's 3rd district. A pair of ducks got lost in the courtyard pond in spring, and the female duck stayed there to give birth to six lively chicks in mid-June. The little ducks swam happily in the pond, waddled across the meadow and hid under their mother's protective wings. The residents of the house were thrilled by the sight and watched closely as the duck family coped with their everyday lives.

But the joy over the new residents was short-lived. The sudden disappearance of the chicks dampened the mood of the residents. From the initial six chicks, only two quickly remained. My district reported that the residents of the house raised the alarm and informed the local wildlife department, but there was no help. Tragically, an injured chick was found headless in the pond, which only increased concerns about the remaining chicks' chances of survival. Predators such as ravens and rats cause a lot of trouble for the little ones, and a mother reports with concern that her daughter no longer dares to go into the garden.

The challenges of ducklings

Ducklings are naturally vulnerable, especially in the first few days of life. Loud ScienceAQ Mortality is increased during this period due to many factors such as cold weather, lack of food and especially predators. Hunting ducklings also remains a challenge. You have to be careful of enemies such as foxes, raccoons or birds of prey. Ducklings cannot fully fend for themselves in the first ten days and must stay close to their mother to increase its chances of survival.

The chicks spend their first hours after hatching in the nest before their mother leads them into the water. The little ducks quickly receive their covering for water protection from the mother duck, who also teaches them what is edible. These learning phases are crucial in preparing the chicks for life in nature. The residents of Kolonitzgasse are eagerly watching to see whether the last active chick will be able to fly by the end of the summer.

Diversity of duck species in Vienna

Various species of ducks can be observed in Vienna. The most common type is the Mallard, which is a popular sight with its colorful plumage. Males have a distinctive green-blue head, while females are less noticeable due to their brown coloring. Those tooMandarin duck, known for their colorful plumage, cannot be missed. The different species of ducks reflect the biodiversity that can be found in Vienna's waterways and parks.

Local residents now hope that the last chick will be strong enough to escape the danger of predators and ultimately be able to fly. An animal story that causes worry lines, but also a lot of joy and support within the community. In the country house, where nature and urban life meet, it remains to be seen how the story will continue to develop.