I have noticed that the number of Mallard ducklings hatched at the Ingbirchworth group of reservoirs has been very high this year. However the broods in the Langsett and Ewden groups of reservoirs (although never as high) have been smaller than usual. This is particularly noticeable when you compare the figures at Ingbirchworth Reservoir and Langsett Reservoir.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - twelve broods - 110 ducklings hatched - average brood size 9.2.
Langsett Reservoir - ten broods - 49 ducklings hatched - average brood size 4.9.
It is also interesting to note that despite Ingbirchworth Reservoir having more favourable breeding conditions, roughly the same numbers have bred at each water.
Disturbance by walkers/dog walkers is high at both waters; but at Ingbirchworth the paths are closer to the water's edge.
So more disturbance = higher breeding number???? Crazy.
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