Where and why ducks fly away to winter
The duck is a beautiful domesticated bird that can survive frost in warm cages, but its wild relatives each year overcome a considerable distance to warm edges. Where do ducks fly for the winter? It is uncomfortable for ducks to winter in a continental climate, especially young ones born in summer. For this reason, birds fly south before the onset of cold weather. Where do the organized flocks fly away?
Where do ducks fly
Duck flock
The duck is a migratory species of birds that does not sit still all year round. In winter, the flock cannot remain in its former habitat, because with the arrival of cold weather, the paws of the duck freeze, even thick plumage does not save it.
The migratory species survives the last autumn days on its former nests, and then begins its long journey, full of free flight and small respites. Groups of birds adapt easily; wild birds are no stranger to changing surroundings. Even young animals that are not strong by winter can easily endure long flights.
Where do the flocks fly away? The South is a temporary refuge for birds, but it should also be as comfortable as possible. In rare cases, ducks do not fly too far, this happens when there is a sick or wounded individual in a close-knit group. The flock cannot endure a full winter, it has neither suitable conditions for this, nor the ability to get food. The flock flies with one key, at the head of which there is always a leader.
On land, this species remains only at night or when females and males need to eat. The faster the flock covers the distance, the less losses will be in its ranks. Wherever ducks go, they behave together and take care of each other. If they fly away, then together - the whole group. Unity is essential for the survival of wild birds. Ducks go south for the whole winter before the onset of a warm spring. Where do wild flocks stay in winter? A photo of flying ducks fascinates a person, and the well-coordinated interaction of birds inspires respect.
Where do these birds nest?
Any migratory bird - duck, goose or swan - migrates as food “leaves”. Feeding birds consists mainly of green grass, which in winter in the continental belt is impossible to get. As the greenery withers, and even the leaves turn yellow closer to autumn, the migratory wild bird gradually moves to a warmer place. The flock does not have to wait for the harsh cold weather.
Wherever mountain or field ducks live, they leave their nests closer to September. The usual habitat of ducks is an open area, sometimes a group of ducks can be found in mountainous areas near open water bodies.
River birds live near settlements; in the city, flocks of wild ducks are rare, only during migration. The lifestyle involves solitude, so the members of the flock look for places where reeds or tall grass grow. The shore for them is an ideal shelter for nests, and access to clean water simplifies the process of feeding and caring for future offspring.
A secluded lifestyle in a noisy city is impossible, so not every city dweller can notice the flock between the concrete pillars. Females, especially those that will soon sit on the nests, constantly hide in the reeds. The open area is not suitable for nesting ducks.
The migratory duck is unpretentious in food, its diet consists of the most common food in natural conditions:
- insects (flies, mosquitoes, beetles);
- frogs, but only small in size;
- fish (the duck will not master a large fish);
- tadpoles.
The special filtration system of the duck's beak allows you to purify food and water. The mallard ensures the safety of the entire flock. If the reservoir is located directly in the city, where a person feels confident, the birds do not stay at the settlement for long. The physiological characteristics of their bodies do not allow ducks to hibernate within the boundaries of St. Petersburg or any other metropolis with low temperatures in winter. Warm land: Africa, India or the coast of the seas are more suitable territory for winter nomad birds. Where the bird will stop is a mystery for which a person has not yet found an answer.
Bird migration
People believe that birds fly for warmth, and just for the sake of a more comfortable climate, flocks overcome unthinkable distances, but duck groups living in warm countries also migrate once a year. What is the reason for this behavior of feathered nomads? The weather changes regardless of the zone where wild birds live. If some groups go after food and comfort, then others in the tropics are fleeing from excessive drought and lack of sufficient clean water. Only the domestic flock does not leave the hatched nests, the rest of the bird has to change their place of residence at least once a year.
The question that worries a person, where are the duck flocks in a hurry, was answered only a few decades ago. The first ringed birds (special sensors are attached to the leg of a duck or wild goose) helped to reveal the secret. In the modern world, with the development of technology, it is much easier to monitor the migration of a flock.
With the help of telemetry, it will not be difficult to determine the location of any animal. The duck does not fly away along the specified route, and it is almost impossible to predict the future route of the birds before the migration begins. Representatives of the same family can choose the most unexpected paths in search of warmth. Egypt, India or African countries - the flock can go in any direction.
Selection of warm countries
The choice of a future home depends on many factors. What are the guides of birds that are looking for new places for nests? Not all species of wild birds migrate, but only wild flocks that are unable to stay in the winter:
- European duck;
- crane;
- wild geese;
- birds huddling in flocks.
Geese are gregarious birds, they can travel short distances and migrate within the territory of one country. The main condition for their movement is the temperature with the "+" sign. Ducks can settle on the shores of the Caspian Sea, not far from the Kuban. The flock can find itself even in Italy, having covered a considerable distance. The flock always flies along a clearly defined route. Bird paths are located along ponds, fields, in places with food for each duck.
Long way
The flock is carefully preparing for a future flight. Untrained young growth can simply die. Females and males stock up on fat, because the flight conditions are not always favorable. The strengthened brood and adult birds gather in one flock and only then set off. The start of the flight coincides with the first drop in ambient temperature. The beginning of autumn, September or October is the time when the keys of wild geese or duck flocks fly over our heads. Groups of birds migrate through the Caucasus, the countries of Asia Minor, Britain, India and Iran. Duck nomads can stay on the territory of Russia or Ukraine, but this happens only during especially warm winter periods.
Ducks choose a place not only with warm air, but also with quality food. Any body of water is not suitable. Nature reserves or well-protected expanses of steppes and fields are ideal areas for birds seeking refuge. In the sky, the flock looks like a key, a wedge: organized, symmetrical and with a well-coordinated connection between the birds. The size of the flock can be very small (up to ten) and very large (there are a hundred, or even two adults). American "guests" settle in European countries with a lot of clean water, while America is drought and hot. Several flocks from different countries can unite into one well-coordinated wedge. The Atlantic Ocean is becoming the new home for such a diverse duck group.
Where birds winter
In Africa, special conditions have been created for the life of feathered nomads. Swarm travels may end in Antarctica off the Weddell Seas or in Alaska. Seasonal migration can occur several times a year, depending on weather conditions. Arctic terns have to travel long distances every 6 months. The flight of duck flocks lasts for days, weeks up to a month. All this time the birds support each other and wander in search of food. Scientists have noticed a strange relationship between ducks and whales, which travel incredible distances through the water. The ocean and bodies of water are not only a source of moisture for birds, but also food. The water temperature is always slightly warmer than frozen soil.
Too hot weather also repels birds.
Birds are ready to cover the extra kilometers, flying around arid regions. The presence of water is always a priority for the main drake, because even a female can cope with low temperatures, and without water it will not be possible to gather strength for the further journey. The coolness of the reservoirs saves from overheating the body under a dense layer of feathers and down. Terns bathe frequently, helping the whole body to cool down for further travel.
How to catch a wild bird
For many people, the period of bird migration is a good time to hunt. The season opens for wild duck flocks, when hunters compete in skill and their own agility. Birds living in natural conditions are reluctant to contact people.
Killing a male or female is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. It takes several hours to wait for such birds, because the wild duck is shy and quick. Bird meat is healthy and unusually tasty, so from year to year there are many people who want to hunt wild duck. It is illegal to kill birds without permits, and some species of migratory birds are listed in the Red Book. Hunting wild feathered nomads is always interesting and exciting.
"Why do ducks fly south in the fall?" - a question that sounds sooner or later from the mouth of the baby. Children look out for a graceful duck wedge in the sky and rejoice at this phenomenon. Birds migrate and quickly adapt to new conditions. By nature, nomadic flocks were domesticated by humans, but their wild relatives continue to make the incredible journey in search of a new home. Exciting, interesting routes on the way to a new haven are full of adventure and danger. The flock always sticks together, protects each of its members and takes care of the young. With the onset of spring, birds again fly home and delight a person with their own presence, bringing in many ways joy and fun.