Close-up photo of a mama mallard duck with ducklings swimming across a calm lake. Clear water reflects the blue sky. Reeds and plants line the shore in the background. Warm light highlights feathers.
Living at a campground in Southwest Florida has turned my backyard into a haven for feathered friends – ducks! From witnessing two sets of adorable ducklings waddle into existence to capturing a hilarious moment of a duck perched nonchalantly on a power line (yes, you read that right!), these remarkable creatures have become a constant source of entertainment and wonder. Their daily lives unfold like a captivating nature documentary right outside my window. I’ve seen the fierce protectiveness of a mama duck chase off a gator, a display of courage that left me awestruck. And let’s not forget the comedic antics –
A Muscovy duck with black and white feathers and a red head perched precariously on a power line in a sunny Florida swamp.
that picture of a duck chilling on a power line (a reminder to always appreciate wildlife from a safe distance!) perfectly captures their quirky personalities.

Florida: A Paradise for Ducks

This firsthand experience has fueled my fascination with these feathered residents of our wetlands. Florida, with its diverse ecosystems, provides a haven for a wide variety of duck species. Throughout this upcoming blog series, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Florida ducks, exploring their:
  • Unique Adaptations: Discover how their bodies are specifically designed for swimming and diving. Learn more about duck anatomy at https://www.audubon.org/bird-family/ducks-and-geese.
  • Ecological Importance: Learn about the vital role they play in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems. Read about the importance of wetland conservation https://www.nps.gov/subjects/wetlands/why.htm on the Environmental Protection Agency (.gov) website.
  • Species Spotlight: We’ll focus on some of the most popular Florida ducks, like the vibrant mallard, the year-round resident mottled duck, and the breathtaking wood duck.
Beyond the Blog: A Connection with Freedoms Purchase Ranch While Freedoms Purchase Ranch (FPR) is currently in the vision stage here in southwest Florida, our mission to empower veterans through nature therapy and meaningful work aligns perfectly with the restorative power of observing wildlife. As we expand to Virginia and potentially other locations nationally, we hope to continue fostering this connection between veterans and nature, while educating all of us about the importance of these amazing creatures.

Join the Quacking Adventure!

Get ready to be amazed by the incredible world of ducks! Throughout this series, I’ll also be sharing some of my own photos taken here at the campground. These pictures will offer a glimpse into the beauty, humor, and heartwarming moments that unfold in the lives of these captivating birds.

Stay tuned, fellow nature lovers! The exciting journey into the world of Florida ducks begins next week!

In the meantime, don’t forget to:

Visit our online store! Discover the magic of the yellow-crowned night heron with our new collection.

  • Spread the word! Share your love for ducks and our upcoming series on Facebook and Instagram using #ducklife and #fprforvets.

Let’s unlock the secrets of Florida’s ducks together!