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Jan 06, 2007

Leaping Ducklettes

This is sooooo worth watchingks. You MUST see this TINY WING ACTION. With English accent narration.

Good Lo'.

SUPER FIND, Tracy M.

Posted by Meg on January 6, 2007 in Birds | Permalink

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Have you ever seen anything as cute as this? My gosh, Ligia and I were practically giggling with delight WPvideo 1.02 MandarinDucklingsjumpingoutofatree 01:36 [Download video] [via Cute Overload] ... [Read More]

Comments

Evel Knievel ducklettes! Tiny wing action indeed!: NebraskaErin; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:24 PM

omigod, that's unbelievable!!!!! newborn bungee jumpers, weithout the bungees!!! such brave lil duckies!!!!: cheryl; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:30 PM

OMG! If those aren't the most precious little baby duckies I've ever seen, I don't know what are! TOO much!!! And the mommy has the most beyooteeful eyes--so dark and soulful!: Leilani; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:30 PM

Love the dramatic soundtrack!: nycat; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:31 PM

But more importantly, what this video has taught is, is that ducklings bounce.: Andrea; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:33 PM

That was Reduckulous! I love how no matter how they fell, the second bounce, they were on their lil webbed feets!: Golden; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:37 PM

EEEP too adorable!!! MY brain might explode! But... HOW DO THEY GET BACK UP?!?!: Jessica; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:38 PM

tiny weengs! love the triumphant soundtrack as the little ones plummet to the ground heheheheh.: Claire; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:40 PM

Man do they bounce!! Loved all the awkward mid-air positions they took.: Celia; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:41 PM

BELLYFLOP! The music just makes it awesome-er. And I didn't know ducks nested in trees :\: leprechaun; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:44 PM

LEAPING LIZARDS...er DUCKLETTES!!!! They did jump, and bounce and I was overcome with the cuteness of it all. I do like how they had a nice leafy drop zone! LOL: Renee; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:44 PM

oh gosh... SO CUTE!!! Belly flops!!! They are SO brave, I'd have thought about it around 15mins or so hehehe xD: Duvdevan; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:46 PM

Ducky leaf belly flop! Now thats art!: Rafael; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:50 PM

"HOW DO THEY GET BACK UP?!?!" An even better question is how did they get up there in the first place? Too cute though.: Claire; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:52 PM

Sounds like it's from an Attenborough documentary. The ducklets won't go up to the treehole again as it just serves as a safe nest for the mother while she hatches the eggs. They'll probably head for the nearest water hole and stay there.: budak; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:52 PM

Claire asked: "An even better question is how did they get up there in the first place? They're laid and hatched there. I doubt they get back up; that was just were the mother nests when she's taking care of them.: Fish Eye no Miko; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:56 PM

BONZAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! Quackers away! :D: Constance; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:58 PM

Such brave little duckies, One gaint leap for duck kind......: Taz; | Jan 06, 2007 at 07:59 PM

I cannot get over the bounce! Do you think the Momma put extra leaves down for padding?: Tiffany; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:00 PM

AHHHHHHHHHH!!! The best. Brava.: Jen; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:01 PM

"An even better question is how did they get up there in the first place?" lol ur dum: Person Man; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:01 PM

That's from Attenborough's "Life of Birds" documentary series. 10 hours of amazingness, some of which is (natch) quite cute.: TheSizzler; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:02 PM

Talk about a leap of faith! I had no idea that baby duckies were so brave!: KzooKat; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:08 PM

Oh my goodness. This just takes the cake. Bouncing baby duckies! Stirring music! And a happy ending, all reunited with Mum and no harm done. Do you think she especially chooses trees that will have plenty of leaf litter underneath at hatching time?: skippy; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:09 PM

Watch that first step -- it's a doozy... I've just decided, I don't want to be a wood duck when I grow up. Brings a whole new meaning to "a bouncing baby boy" or "a bouncing baby girl" (walks away, shaking head...Holy Bouncing Ducklings, Batman!): useta hada kitteh; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:11 PM

This just goes to show that a lot of cute critters are tougher than they look :): Red; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:14 PM

Skippy -- I googled "wood duck", and apparently they like to choose trees that overhang water, so that the babys land in the water when they first launch themselves out of the tree (at the ripe old age of one day), but I guess, if there isn't a handy water-overhanging-tree nearby, the mama duck will make sure there's a cushy mattress of leaves so the babies can bounce.: useta hada kitteh; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:15 PM

I submitted a very similar video a few months ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRuL-c8ro5s . I'm glad duck-flopping is finally getting the C.O. attention it deserves. :): Andy Lee; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:23 PM

Also, if you go to the YouTube page for this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hl5MJHDi9k ), there's a Wikipedia link with more info on Mandarin Ducks, and photos. Looks like the males are much more colorful than the females.: Andy Lee; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:31 PM

Wow, they fly about as well as Monty Python sheep: "Notice they do not so much fly, as ... plummet.": Not That Mike The Other Mike; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:38 PM

Thanks for that info, Useta! I'm continually amazed by the workings of nature. There's always a good reason for every seemingly strange little thing that happens.: skippy; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:39 PM

NTMTOM -- hee! perfect.: skippy; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:40 PM

OMG! they bouce!: Fabulous Geek; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:42 PM

*FLOOP* right onto the ground. Lovely little beasties ^_^: AliceTanzer; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:42 PM

Awww they bounce! I had no idea ducklettes bounce!: GreenEyedHawk; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:49 PM

Duckabunga!!!: alicia; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:54 PM

i think i can, i think i can.... thank goodness for the leafy landing!: carmen; | Jan 06, 2007 at 08:58 PM

That was the most awesome thing I have seen all week.: 604; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:03 PM

Holy mother of GOD! That was absolutly adorable!!!!! Everything was SO perfect together! The slow-mo, the music, the narrator, the bouncing baby birdies! Ahhh! Exactly what I needed!: Amshhh; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:03 PM

"Cause they's got high hopes, They's got high hopes They's got high apple pie, in the sky-y-y hopes." Swan dive?: pyrit; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:04 PM

COWABUNGA!!!: Kellie; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:09 PM

eek: eikoleigh; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:10 PM

Andy Lee: "Looks like the males are much more colorful than the females." That's quite common among birds. The females are usually dull colored to blend in with their surroundings when on the nest and watching over the chicks, while males are colorful to attract mates. My dad's an ornithologist, btw... ^_^: Fish Eye no Miko; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:13 PM

I love how their little bodies sprawl out while they're falling! Amazing how the mother knows it's time for them to safely leave the nest.: simplynikki; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:20 PM

Oh, my freaking god. How are they DOING that??? That's one hell of a leap of faith for a teeny tiny duckling. Maybe Mom should consider a nest a little lower to the ground next time... Is that John Cleese narrating?: Gail; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:26 PM

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I don't ... I ... that's ... I can't ... *sigh*: Rachel; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:26 PM

Could I please just catch them and snorgle them? I promise I will put them back down...eventually.: Zu; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:41 PM

Aww they looked like cartoons when they were jumping. And I love the first Mr Ducksicle who jumped out and got up and was all, "yeah, look at what I just did.": Kendally; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:51 PM

Is that John Cleese narrating? No, it's Sir David Attenborough, who's narrated a lot of nature films.: Fish Eye no Miko; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:54 PM

Tiny wing-flappage! Even the mommy duck is full of teh cute.: Fenix; | Jan 06, 2007 at 09:55 PM

Kerplunk-a-ducks! Seriously, I love the fluffy belly-flops. The music makes the whole thing!: PuppyMomma; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:04 PM

What plucky duckies!: Dustbunny; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:04 PM

Those little wings aren't *nearly* grown enough for the baby duckies to even glide, let alone fly. But they launch themselves out of the tree, peeping frantically, just to be with Mom. "Next, dear, I'm going to teach you how to swim!" (And the bright blue violets out-of-focus in the foreground by Mama Duck just put the whole scene completely over the top, cute-wise.): acelightning; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:10 PM

INCREDI-DUCKIES!!! One of the best posts evar.: LillyG; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:10 PM

OMG SPLAT Hahahaha! That was ridduck: Shadyman; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:17 PM

Things I love about this video: the webbed feet flailing just as much as the tiny wings are flapping; the belly flop; the dramatic music and the slo mo; the English accent narrator who is speaking quietly, I guess so as not to interfere with this critical moment in the ducklings' development; need I go on?: elena; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:29 PM

Oh my goodness! That is absolutely the cutest sweetest most amazing unbelievable thing ever! Talk about a leap of faith. Those little ducklings really trust their mummy huh? I was worried a hawk would come and snatch one in the air! @_@ So scary. And they doo bounce! I think it's because of the soft leaves there they have to land on.: Yvie; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:40 PM

OMG! Baby duckies falling from the sky!!! I could watch that all day, over and over in super slo-mo! awwwwwwww they don't even look scared, just like okay, I'll jump, I'm a bird, after all, I gots wings!: ceebs; | Jan 06, 2007 at 10:40 PM

Aww, so adorable! I was afraid for the little duckies, but then I saw them bounce, and all was good :).: Christy; | Jan 06, 2007 at 11:04 PM

OMG!! I was audibly going "AAAAHH!!!" as each one jumped!! (Maybe it shoulda been COWABUNGA???) I wuz so afwaid dat dey'd go splat or sumfin!!1 My cats thought something was wrong with me, quietly shrieking in terror for the little ducklets!! *catching my anxious breath* WHEW!!! That WUZ amazing, but sca-wy for the duckies...and me!: musicchick2; | Jan 06, 2007 at 11:33 PM

I would happily listen to David Attenborough reading the phone book... Let alone talking about cute ducklets and their actions!: Janni; | Jan 06, 2007 at 11:49 PM

their feet are as big as their wings! (by the way it's not the english who have an accent .....): unci; | Jan 07, 2007 at 12:47 AM

BONZAII!!!!: Emily; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:04 AM

Bonsai is the tree. Banzai is the traditional shout of encouragement. Banzai is also the last name of a rather well-known scientist, based in New Brunswick, N.J.: Chris Tucker; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:24 AM

Hurrah for David Attenborough - reminds me why I pay my BBC tv licence - for snippets of cuteness! Although, being an Attenborough documentary, probably a crocodile will finish them off in the next frame.: Kate; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:14 AM

NO-ONE does animal documentaries like Sir David Attenborough. The best in the biz! Love the tubby tummies!: Sleeydumpling; | Jan 07, 2007 at 03:14 AM

You should see Attenborough narrating about pikas! Now that is adorable, like bunny hamsters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYbgobViF2k Not that belly flopping leafy ducklings aren't: Kyon; | Jan 07, 2007 at 03:31 AM

YAY, DAVID ATTENBOROUGH!: pistache268; | Jan 07, 2007 at 03:42 AM

I actually saw some baby house wrens leaving their nest in my back yard about 15 years ago. I was sitting about 25 feet away and they came out of their birdhouse (a bird bottle from Williamsburg attached to the back wall of my house). Each one of them bounced on my back lawn, caromed off my garbage can, and landed back on the lawn. Utterly amazing and so cute! I feed birds all year round just so I can see the babies and watch the parents teaching them, "and this is the cafeteria where you come to eat (my multi-seed feeding station) and this is how you pick it up in your bill. You don't have to beg me to feed you. The food is all around you. Just lean down and DO IT YOURSELF!!!!!": Susan; | Jan 07, 2007 at 03:49 AM

they were probaby thinking: "look at momma im flying!" and "geronimo!" and "bombs away!" ridonk cute!!!: Katy; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:04 AM

Squeeeeeeee ! it must be like leapin on a biiiiig bed of sproingelyness ^-^ so cute. that really helped me wake up. I dont do sunday mornings,.. or any mornings for htat matter :P: elseibi; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:12 AM

this made my morning! michael jackson dangling his baby off the balcony makes much more sense now...he was learning from the ducklings!: ishuku; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:39 AM

EEP! *runs about frantically with a duckling net* This is indeed the mighty Sir David Attenborough, from his most recent series "Planet Earth". That man is a treasure... *worships*: Kate; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:49 AM

How utterly adorable! Love the BOUNCE'ing onto the lovely leaves! Really love the tiny wings flapping wildly in mid-air!: Sissy; | Jan 07, 2007 at 05:19 AM

Floop! cheepcheepcheep Floop! cheepcheepcheep Floop! flapflap! cheepcheep! and all the peeps go squee.: Miette; | Jan 07, 2007 at 05:24 AM

Sir David Attenborough is my own personal god. His latest series, Planet Earth had at least two jaw dropping "oh my god I didn't think that was even possible" moments per episode, and he does a lot more than narrate them... *joins Kate in worship*: Creepy Sheep; | Jan 07, 2007 at 05:33 AM

oh sweet bippy. ahahahahahahahahaha must wipe tears away. oh so sweet. must watch again. ahahahahahaaaa: audreyinez; | Jan 07, 2007 at 05:52 AM

It's funny how you say that David Attenborough has an English accent:-): Lotte; | Jan 07, 2007 at 05:56 AM

I think this is the cutest and most heartwarming thing I have seen so far on CO. I love these little peepers! "I believe I can fly...": g-lo; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:02 AM

We all love Attenborough! (I have acctually seen him IRL, at Brittish Museum, London!!! He was watching boring ceramic pots...) On the question how the ducklings got up in the tree: They are born there and when they jump out their mum leads them to the nearest water where their new life begins! The male Mandarine duck is by the way one of the most beautiful birds there is. Take a look in a book!: the Swedish ornithologist; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:10 AM

This has got to be the cutest YouTube ever. Poor little ducklings. They were so brave to jump from so far. I'm glad they're basically unbreakable.: Meaghan; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:39 AM

Thanks for the pika vid. Too cute!: Piggalette; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:43 AM

Oh no! Oh no! I can't watch! [hugh exhale][sigh of relief]: TreeDwellinGnome; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:49 AM

OMG DAVID ATTENBOROUGH!!! YAY! OMG DUCK1ES!!!!! W00T!!! RULE BBC! I am keeled.: Subhangi; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:50 AM

O.K. the funny little ducklings should be REALLY glad mama didn't nest above an asphalt parking lot! ;-( Love the flapping little wings, as if they can actually fly. And, as far as the Pikas are concerned: COULD THEY BE ANY CUTER! AND....they horde flowers! O.M.G. Where do I get me one?: Wendy; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:56 AM

thats the most awesome thing ever!!!: chris; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:04 AM

Ehn!: JC; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:08 AM

Reminds me of this: :-) http://youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs: Mad William Flint; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:13 AM

OOOO, so adorable! "Look Ma, I'm flying" Love the flapping and bouncing.: Yitzysmommie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:17 AM

Glad to see so many people recognized Sir David's voice, he's my hero :D Life in the Undergrowth is probably the best nature series on the planet.: Del; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:34 AM

Okay, so to sum it all up: This is from the BBC's "Planet Earth" series. It's David Attenborough, allright. I think it's from Episode 10, "Seasonal Forests" Find out more about the series (which, by the way is spectacular-stunning-breathtaking in High Definition TV) at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Earth_(TV_series): nippp; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:36 AM

Bombs away! Look out below! It's raining ducks! Halleluja! Better have an umbrella when you're walking under THAT tree!: Anita; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:50 AM

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! i <3 duckies. :D: falnfenix; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:51 AM

I can't believe after all this time, we've located the soundtrak to the qte. But I believe we've found it:): jenn; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:07 AM

Sigh, David has such a lovely voice and covers all the best documentaries. A pinnacle figure of British TV. He makes me so proud to be English lol! Bouncy ducklets are much braver than I, however. if my mum called me to jump from a tree like that...!!: Liz; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:10 AM

And here I'd always thought "duck down" was a whole different thing...: Tara; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:13 AM

Yep, that's definitely John Cleese from Monty Python doing the talking.: Maria; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:13 AM

it's not John Cleese, it's Sir David Attenborough... from ___the Life of Birds___ (trust me, I saw the whole darn series at 7 am one semester... wonderful series, too bleepin' early in the morning, but there were quizzes on it......): Bekkie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:21 AM

Thank God for leaf litter...: bats; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:29 AM

Unless they're reusing footage, it's not from Life of Birds, it's from Planet Earth, which has just finished in the UK; listed under "living organisms" on this page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/planetearth/realmedia/ there's so much good stuff on there, especially if you like listening to David... Don't make me find a clip of John Cleese for comparison...: Creepy Sheep; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:40 AM

poor duckie number 3 fell down and rolled over just in time cuz duckie number 4 landed where 3 had been.... anyone else wondering how they get up or how the humonguous pile of leaves got there??: Rosie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:59 AM

That is the most courageous inspiring thing I have ever seen! Such optimism flapping those tiny stubs like crazy!!!! YAY duckies!!!: Lauri; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:03 AM

This video reminds me of visiting Hampton Court on my first trip to England in 1994. A family of ducks was trying to work their way down a tall hedge. A costumed employee of the estate and a large group of tourists stood at the base of the hedge, catching ducklings as they dropped. I wish I'd taken a photo of it. Great video, BTW!: Robbie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:03 AM

Well...just when I thought it couldn't get better, not only anerably &c &c but educational! Thanx to all who enlightened. Now, where do I get me one of those fat-ducklette-spewing trees for my yard? I have lot of leaves... (And oh yeah - thank you to the sender-inner as well as to my colleagues here who expanded my knowledge).: Temple Cats' Slave in WI; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:16 AM

After a whole day, I'm really surprised nobody's referenced WKRP yet, so: "As God is my witness, I thought ducklings could fly." There.: Not That Mike The Other Mike; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:22 AM

Ok silly question, but does anyone know the email addy for submitting the cute stuff? Thx for your help, cute peeps!: maymee; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:35 AM

Nevermind, I found it. *kicking self* Now back to your regularly scheduled cuteness.: maymee; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:44 AM

OH MY GOD! What a PHENOMENAL clip! And the MUSIC! Outstanding!: Clotypus; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:52 AM

PIKAS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN CUTE PAGE! As I watched the video, my kitty practically climbed onto the computer table to find the little squeakers. They are way to cute to be allowed!: Maggie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:52 AM

Also, I thought every one of the porr little duckies were going to break their necks. I was watching from between my fingers the whole time...: Maggie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:53 AM

I want to CATCH THEM!: Loris; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:57 AM

It might be the PMS talking, but that was really beautiful. The ducklets have inspired me to get out of bed today.: Margaret; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:59 AM

WOO HOO! I got something selected for cuteoverload! Man, I'm a rock star. ;): Tracy M aka Fuzzball; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:02 AM

Totally super cute! Wheeeeee..... splat!: AmyVVV; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:17 AM

Brave, brave duck-a-lettes! And the impeccably optimistic and calming voice of David Attenborough to narrate. (Sorry if I've repeated comments. don't have time to read them all!): jaypo; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:37 AM

This is MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!!! Sooooooo great!!!!!!!: Jorden; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:42 AM

Does anyone know if Planet Earth is available yet? I couldn't find it on Amazon.: Jorden; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:49 AM

They don't get hurt? How'd they get so high up?: Lorie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:51 AM

I vote for more david attenborough on CO, he has narrated many a cute animal.: Gracie; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:55 AM

Those are some brave little ducklings. Good thing they had a soft landing with the leaves, but that was quite a leap. Awesome video! ------------------------------ http://www.petafoo.com - We Love Animals: Petafoo.com; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:10 AM

Oh em gee, they bounce!!!!!!: Christine; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:15 AM

wow. we are fragile people... those little duckies are tough!!: kyle n liz; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:20 AM

attenborough! my FAVORITE is the show he did on BOWER BIRDS. . . incredible. he's brilliant.: nadia; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:22 AM

this immediately reminded me of the www.orisinal.com game titled "chicken wings are not for flying" http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g2/chicken.htm I watched that video and wanted to throw little umbrellas to those babies!: wedge; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:44 AM

This is like -- the MOST climactic scene - to the MOST hair-raisingly, finger-bitingly movie never made !!!! and - OH MY Gawd!!! WATCH the clip from Mad William Flint(somewhere above). I do not usually cick on the links, but for some reason did ---I don't remember the last time I have laughed so hard -----The Tears.....the Tears...AAAGGGHHHHHHHH!!!! (ok - I didn't mine, I meant at the end of clip-so-oh my god, overwhemingly PERFECT last touch ---Thanks, Mad - love ya!): de; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:06 PM

I would pay to watch a feature length movie all about these little guys. That was amazing and adorable all at the same time.: sammi; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:13 PM

No time to read all the comments right now but did anybody say "RUBBER DUCKS" yet? THEY BOUNCE!!!: Martha in Washington; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:21 PM

"Planet Earth" - from which this clip is definitely taken, it only aired on TV a few weeks ago in the 'Seasonal Forests' episode - is indeed out on DVD; I got it for Christmas! However, it's only out on Region 2 DVD, so if any Americans want to get they'll have to (a) invest in a multi-region DVD player and (b) buy the DVD from a British website. Anyway, the entire series is utterly amazing and full of incredibly cute moments. The only downside is that David Attenborough is simply narrating, and doesn't appear on camera himself. He rules!: Stellanova; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:43 PM

Holy freekin leap of faith. If I were being soothed by the dulcet tones of my all-time personal broadcast media hero David Attenborough, I would probably hurl myself into the beyond any given day. kwak!: misscrisp; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:57 PM

Oh yeah... I just HADSta hook up speakers and crank em up LOUD when sharing this video with friends. I agree with all comments above...the score rocks.: misscrisp; | Jan 07, 2007 at 01:59 PM

Yup, definitely David Attenborough. He's been around for so long, but he's still fantastic.: Tehkella; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:02 PM

This is really cute! But also very scary! I would die as a mum to watch my babies falling that distance! But I didn't know that duckies could bounce, ghehe!: Yukari; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:20 PM

Sir David Attenborough is a national treasure, as are the films he has made. Just wonderful!: Sue; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:25 PM

Okay, I realize I am approaching overkill...but I just can't help myself when it comes to Sir D. See? http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2006/09/we_loves_us_som.html#comment-23192611: misscrisp; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:36 PM

Thanks, Stellanova!: Jorden; | Jan 07, 2007 at 02:52 PM

Oh my word, that killed me. I've never seen base jumping ducklings before. And they even have an earth-made trampoline at the bottom!: Sari; | Jan 07, 2007 at 03:50 PM

This is the most awesome sight to see. An old oak tree beside our pond was home to a nest and one day I saw the mom fly down and then 10 ducklings follow her, falling bravely to get to her. When all were down she went to the pond, called them and they climbed on her back and swam away. Never saw them again but she came back last year to nest there again.: Lily Poole; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:04 PM

The ducklettes (and their Mom) were so pretty and brave I was holding my breath until they all landed. *sigh* The pikas were completely new kind of Qte. Too bad I don't have a decent back yard. :( Mad William Flint:That was the best vid on YouTube. Thx for sharing it! Sir David Attenborough:Will you marry me? Please?? Pretty please???: miu; | Jan 07, 2007 at 04:10 PM

ahh cute. If i had the talent to, I'd take that clip and photoshop in some parachutes. :D: nora; | Jan 07, 2007 at 06:54 PM

Kinda fun to imagine David Attenborough saying, "Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!" Or John Cleese saying, "Here we have the rare, red-faced baboon browsing on beetles for breakfast.": [yrit; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:07 PM

"Okay... flight... i'm ready for this... okay...GO wings GO! ... ...they'renotworking they'renotworking THEY'RE NOT WORRRRKIIIINNNNNNNG-"*thud*: Rminos; | Jan 07, 2007 at 07:07 PM

That was great. I love how they all knew to bring their legs back, like a little tiny swan-dive into the leaves. *oof!*: redbone; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:09 PM

The dramatic music and slow-mo leafy landing really make this video perfect.: Fallon; | Jan 07, 2007 at 08:26 PM

"Quick, Ike! Do your impression of David Caruso's career!" That music is awesome.: iris; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:45 PM

Whåt the... Mother duck! Lay your eggs on the ground!! What are you, some sort of penthouse duck? After every tiny jump, I expected to hear a 'Splat' sound effect.: Kit; | Jan 07, 2007 at 09:54 PM

OhMyGosh... One of "my" forums has a thread where you post your favorite you tube vids and a friend of mine posted the link to this one. (As well as a link to CO, since she found it here.) She titled the the link "Oh brave new world! that has such ducklings in it!". Waaay too Qte.: querida; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:26 PM

OMG, it's raining ducklings!!! I'll never use an umbrella again!!!: Perosha; | Jan 07, 2007 at 10:48 PM

"Mother duck! Lay your eggs on the ground!!" There are predators out there. If the nest was near ground level it wouldn't be good protection against them. Physics work out differently on different scales. Very small things can handle proportionally much greater falls because of their greater surface area to volume ratio. Conversely, very large creatures can't even fall a few feet without breaking bones.: Errata; | Jan 07, 2007 at 11:30 PM

Sir David Attenborough and plummeting duckies. Too perfect. Animal Planet has currently been airing his 'Blue Planet: Seas of Life'; it's quite magnificent.: Aubrey; | Jan 08, 2007 at 12:42 AM

Cuuuute! How do they get back up?: L; | Jan 08, 2007 at 01:55 AM

eee! bouncy ittle duckities! (bounce!) i hope they get lots and lots of congratulatory snuggles from each other and momma. (yeah, i'm probably anthropomorphizing here, but given a choice between a world with more or fewer snuggles, i will always take more.): adam; | Jan 08, 2007 at 02:14 AM

This really made my day. These little guys are way too cute. I especially love the bounce. Thanks for posting!!: mabs; | Jan 08, 2007 at 05:36 AM

Sir David Attenborough for President of Teh Qte!: Tony James; | Jan 08, 2007 at 06:45 AM

boi-oi-oi-oing!: ariel; | Jan 08, 2007 at 06:52 AM

This made me think of "Toy Story" "That's not flying, that's just falling with style!" Very, very cute style.: Angela; | Jan 08, 2007 at 07:25 AM

For L and others who ask "how do they get back up?" -- simple answer: they don't. They're out in the world, and Mama's an empty-nester now. For folks who say "How did they get up there in the first place?" -- I assume that was a tongue-in-cheek question, but just in case... the ducklings didn't, not exactly. Mama duck flew up there, made a nest, laid some eggs. Later, they hatched.: Theo; | Jan 08, 2007 at 07:32 AM

Wow that last little guy really stuck the landing! 9.86!: jennifuh; | Jan 08, 2007 at 07:40 AM

thank heavens they have a comfy bed of leafs to fall in! those brave little guys!: vanessa; | Jan 08, 2007 at 08:18 AM

Oh-My-God!!! I am a slack an a gape. Those lil' baby duckies have inspire me to reach new heights. If those tiny wingers have the courage to featherlessly leap out of their nice safe nest 30' to the ground then why should we be afraid to try anything new in our own lives. Thank you Meg for the inspiration. Namaste.: indigoreiki; | Jan 08, 2007 at 08:46 AM

This makes the Ornithologist i me so proud. David Attenborough (narrator) is my hero, I want to be him some day!!: blindcavefish; | Jan 08, 2007 at 09:03 AM

I'm not a TV watcher, but I have been watching "Life of Birds" every night recently. My husband got a bunch from Netflix and we're totally hooked. The production quality is fantastic and Attenborough is just legendary. The whole series is amazing, not just the baby duckies part, but this is unbelievably cute. You will have a new appreciation for birds if you watch these.: Teresa Hardy; | Jan 08, 2007 at 09:23 AM

I just had a chance to watch this. I snorted. Boingy boingy boingy!: Dazie; | Jan 08, 2007 at 09:32 AM

Weather this afternoon: Partly cloudy 30% chance of ducklings: Wendy; | Jan 08, 2007 at 09:46 AM

!!! That's all I gotta say. !!!: Angela; | Jan 08, 2007 at 11:01 AM

Absolutely delighted and terrified at the same damn time. I could have sworn at least three of them would land head first :0: JH; | Jan 08, 2007 at 11:02 AM

cannot be real! aaiiiggghhh! *head explodes*: Indy's Mom; | Jan 08, 2007 at 11:12 AM

Wheeeeeeee! Speaking from (blessed) personal experience, they bounce even when there isn't leaf litter! I think its all the fluff. On a side note, you too can experience this cutenees in your very own back yard, if you live near woods or a wetland in North America. Call your local extension agent, look it up on the web. You can build/buy a "wood duck box," put it on a tree, and prepare for Teh Qte! Wood ducks are the American cousins of the Asian Mandarin ducks, and the male wood duck is also very pretty. Since all birds have a fairly well documented incubation period, you can estimate the jump day by watching when the mom stops going in and out just in the morning to lay eggs and stays in for incubation. You will probably have to get up early, though, because she likes to call them down before it gets too light. Happy Qte hunting!: Selianth; | Jan 08, 2007 at 04:02 PM

I'm sorry but I'm with the minority who find that horrfying. Do we really need to know that babies bounce? After finding out the hard way that small kittens bounce from a third story window, that sh*t really bothers me.: Kar; | Jan 08, 2007 at 06:52 PM

TJ- I second the motion! Or how about Honorary Peep Patron...something like that? (too sleepy just now to manifest the proper honorific): misscrisp; | Jan 08, 2007 at 10:36 PM

Kar -- don't worry, these ducklings are all OK. They're very light, very padded, and fall slowly (though not *quite* as slow as the slo-mo sequence shows)... plus they landed in the leaf litter.: Theo; | Jan 09, 2007 at 06:57 AM

Theo, obviously I'm a little sensitive/traumatized but I guess I've also seen too many babies that fall out of the nest in a splat. I guess I'm like those folks who run around downtown Salt Lake city in case the baby hawks don't quite fly their first time out.: Kar; | Jan 09, 2007 at 08:23 AM

Kar -- If you think about the fact that this part of the documentary is looking specifically at this sort of duck doing this sort of thing, it might put things in perspective. That, and the fact that a cushy pile of leaves in a forest is nothing at all like a Utah sidewalk. ^_^: Kara; | Jan 09, 2007 at 11:53 AM

I'm just imagining Kar scooting around downtown SLC with a big fleecey catcher's mitt.: Theo; | Jan 09, 2007 at 12:44 PM

I don't know if this helps any feelings or not, but the difference between these ducklings and the falling kittens is that jumping from the tree is natural duck behavior. They've been doing it for millenia. Whereas kittens falling from windows is not natural kitten behavior.: AuntieMame; | Jan 09, 2007 at 12:53 PM

I think that video was adorable and funny. I also think that it was so cute when the duckies went flying into the air. I hope that you do another clip about ducks.: Josie; | Jan 09, 2007 at 01:33 PM

oh. my. goodness. they bounce. i love the slow-mo. i am stunned by the absolute cuteness of it all. i mean... CUTE amazed plus, the narrator sounds like the narrator from milo and otis: emily; | Jan 09, 2007 at 04:18 PM

I don't think anyone has mentioned the species, its the Mallard. After landing they will begin their indian-file journey to water which is often more dangerous than their glide to earth.: Alan B Steele; | Jan 09, 2007 at 11:36 PM

As I used to say when I was wee... "Fall down go BOOM!": elizabells; | Jan 10, 2007 at 12:22 PM

Dear Ducks, If you nest on the ground, you won't have to take perilous leaps out of trees. Sincerely, A concerned citizen: Paige; | Jan 10, 2007 at 01:57 PM

Ba ha ha ha! They look like teeny tiny ducky sky divers!: Sarah; | Jan 11, 2007 at 04:32 PM

I've just seen a rerun, the ducklets are 24HRS old!: Dewi; | Jan 28, 2007 at 08:32 AM

That isn't any old "English accent narration"! That's Bill Oddie!: Alice; | Feb 05, 2007 at 12:05 PM

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Jan 06, 2007

Leaping Ducklettes

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