Duck Factory

       This prairie pothole (small sloughs) country of eastern South Dakota has been called a 'duck factory.' That's because so many ducks nest nearby and raise their broods on these small ponds. In Minnesota most of these wetlands have been drained. Unfortunately the draining mania is now rampant here in South Dakota.

    The little pond across the street from The Little House illustrates the 'duck factory' mantra. This morning I counted five newly hatched broods of ducklings on it. I'd guess the pond to be a meagre five acres. When I exit the house around 6:00 a.m these broods are frequently on the near shore. With the activity of Kaia and I they swim toward the other side. They are very small now but will grow rapidly before the fall migration.

Takk for alt,

Al

 The little pond last year festooned with egrets, pelicans and seagulls.