🦆 Mother ducks are some of the most attentive and protective parents in the animal world. From the moment their ducklings hatch, the mother stays close, leading them through their first days of life with gentle guidance and constant watchfulness. You’ll often see her walking in front with her ducklings trailing behind in a perfect little line, teaching them how to forage, avoid danger, and even swim. Despite their small size, ducklings can swim almost immediately after hatching, but they rely heavily on their mother for warmth and safety, especially during cold or rainy weather. What’s especially touching is how mother ducks will do anything to protect their young. If she senses a predator nearby, she may pretend to be injured to draw attention away from her ducklings and lead the threat in another direction. This strong maternal instinct helps give the ducklings the best chance of surviving those vulnerable early days. (@briansurguy via Viralhog) - #duck #duckling #ducksofinstagr...