How baby Mergus merganser leaves the nest
The baby Mergus merganser, also known as the Common Merganser, has a dramatic start to life. After hatching in a high tree hole nest, often situated in tall trees near water bodies, the ducklings must make a bold leap to the ground. Despite the considerable height, sometimes over 30 feet, the ducklings are remarkably resilient. The mother encourages them from below, and one by one, they jump, using their lightweight bodies and downy feathers to cushion their fall. This courageous plunge is a critical first step, enabling them to quickly reach the safety of the water where they begin learning to swim and forage under the watchful eye of their mother.
