Eivind Ertesvag 
Few things are as touching as witnessing a mother animal caring for her young. One of the most iconic scenes in nature might be that of a mother duck leading her ducklings safely across the water. But what photographer Brent Cizek captured was something truly extraordinary.
An Ordinary Day Turned into an Unforgettable Photo
Brent Cizek, an amateur photographer from northern Minnesota, has a passion for capturing wildlife. In 2018, he decided to visit Lake Medidji near Duluth, hoping to take some stunning photos. Little did he know that he was about to experience a moment that would touch people all over the world.
On the lake, Brent spotted a common merganser duck. But what caught his attention wasn’t just the duck itself, but the enormous flock of ducklings following her. There were no less than 76 little ducklings swimming behind their mother!
Not All the Ducklings Are Hers
Common merganser ducks typically lay between 8 and 11 eggs, so it was clear that not all of these ducklings could be her biological offspring. As reported by The New York Times, this type of duck is known for laying eggs in other ducks’ nests, helping to spread the offspring and increase their chances of survival. It’s likely that this mother duck had taken on the responsibility of caring for a large brood of ducklings while the other adult ducks were occupied with other tasks.
David Rave, a wildlife manager overseeing the Bemidji region, told The New York Times that this mother duck could easily be a grandmother to all these ducklings. It’s incredible to see how she has full control over such a large group, and how obedient the ducklings are to her every command.
«Mother of the Year» Takes Social Media by Storm
Brent Cizek knew he had captured something truly special. «Everyone is amazed and saying she is the mother of the year,» he said after the photo was shared on social media. It didn’t take long for the image of the proud mother duck with her 76 ducklings to go viral.
For many, this is a reminder of nature’s incredible ability to surprise and move us. It takes a unique kind of care and strength to look after so many young ones, and this mother duck has undoubtedly earned the title of «Mother of the Year.»
This photo reminds us of the importance of appreciating the small yet significant moments in nature. We can all thank Brent Cizek for capturing this magical moment, which is now melting hearts around the world. Feel free to share this story to spread the joy!
