I spent my lunch break in Congress Park again today and has the duckling situation changed! I have no idea where all of the Mallards hid their nests but ducklings were everywhere! Some were feeding in the grass, turning their little heads sideways to pull seeds off of plants:

And some were stretching their little bodies out to get food from underwater:

This one really wanted to be able to fly!

And this one had a serious itch that needed scratching.

But I was interested in more than just the different feeding techniques and behaviors; I was interested in what kind of Manky Mallards made this practically piebald duckling:

And how did this duckling end up so light?

I observed several of this type associating with a normal looking hen Mallard.

But there were many “normal” ducklings around too:

So if you really like ducklings and you have nothing to do this weekend head up to Saratoga Springs, NY and go to Congress Park. You won’t be disappointed!