We were having a meeting out by the Mouse House because the sun was shining. It was a very pleasant place to discuss up and coming projects. As we went through our agenda our attention was attracted by an Eider with six hatched youngsters. The mother was clearly determined to get through the wall. Unfortunately she was able to get up the step but none of her youngsters managed it!
She tried several times to tempt them up but they ended up in a duckling pile at the bottom of the step
We
tried putting a step in for them. But instead of another attempt they
decided to sit down with the islands most celebrated Eider, Toilet Duck.
She is named because she nests year after year outside the doors to the
toilet. She is a firm favourite with visitors as she's often the first
Eider to be seen by the tourists!
The ducks did not really take to each other and Toilet duck took to pecking the youngsters
But the youngsters really took to toilet duck!
Mummy moved back in to take the children back from her foster mum. One of the ducklings had actually got underneath Toilet duck but got moved on. There was no sign of the teamwork that I'd recorded down at Horse Hole the other day. I waited for a while but had to see the Rib Osprey off so I never found out whether the Eider got up the step.
Toilet Duck is due to hatch any day. hopefully she'll treat he offspring with a bit more kindness!
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