Contest Alert | Animal Activities #52 / Life with the Muscovy Duck

Entry for the Animal Activities Contest

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Greetings to all animal lovers in this community!
I am excited to participate in this contest today to showcase a glimpse of the animal life around me. I want to specially thank the moderator, @xkool24, for organizing such an engaging prompt that allows us to appreciate the creatures we share our environment with.

Life with the Muscovy Duck

The Silent Guardians:
In the photos I’ve shared, you can see a mother duck, specifically a Muscovy duck, patiently leading her brood of ducklings past a puddle. Many people see ducks as just "farm birds," but to those of us who watch them daily, they are symbols of resilience, motherhood, and quiet intelligence.

Behavior and Personality
Unlike the loud, quacking "Pekin" ducks you see in movies, Muscovy ducks are known as "silent ducks." They don't quack; instead, they communicate through soft hisses and tail wagging. They are incredibly calm and independent. In my photos, you can see the mother’s protective stance. She is constantly scanning for predators, teaching her young where to find food, and ensuring no one lags behind.

Source

The Nesting and Egg-Laying Process
Ducks are masters of patience. A female Muscovy will find a secluded, dry spot to lay her eggs, often between 8 to 15 eggs at a time. Once she goes "broody," she sits on them for about 35 days (longer than a chicken!). She will even pluck feathers from her own breast to line the nest and keep the eggs warm. Seeing these ducklings today is a testament to her over a month of dedicated sitting.

The duck🦆 going to the water

Why They Love the Mud and Water
You’ll notice in the photo they are gathered near a stagnant puddle. Ducks have a biological need for water, but not just for swimming. They use water to:

Clean their nostrils: They dip their heads to flush out dust and dirt.

Digestion: They don't have teeth, so they use water to help swallow their food.

Foraging: They love "drilling" into damp soil with their bills to find worms, larvae, and insects.

The Benefits of Keeping Ducks

me going to snap the duck picture

1. Physical and Economic Benefits:

Pest Control: They are the best natural "insecticides." They will clear a yard of flies, mosquitoes, and even small snakes.

Nutritious Eggs: Duck eggs are larger and richer in protein than chicken eggs, making them excellent for baking and building body strength.

Organic Fertilizer: Their droppings are high in nitrogen and work wonders for a home garden.

2. Spiritual and Symbolic Significance:
In many cultures, the duck carries deep spiritual meaning. Because they can walk on land, fly in the sky, and swim in the water, they are seen as symbols of transition and adaptability.

Protection: Some believe that having ducks around a home brings a "cooling" energy, settling disputes and bringing peace to a household.

Motherhood: They represent the "ideal mother" fiercely protective yet calm under pressure.

Conclusion

Watching this mother duck navigate the muddy path with her young ones reminds me that life is about persistence. No matter how many "puddles" or obstacles are in the way, the family stays together.

I believe that we enjoyed learning a bit more about these fascinating birds!

I would love to invite my friends to join this contest and share their own animal stories:
@papamogambo
@freshgrace
@joshpa

Good luck to everyone participating!

CC.
@xkool24