Question: To have a stable population, ducks must raise so many more eggs (up to 12) than, say, loons. Why do you think this is true?   Discussion: On average, many more bad things happen to baby ducks than to baby loons. Loons nest right next to the water, so the babies do not need to cross much land to get to the water. Baby ducks risk being eaten by land predators and dogs and cats, getting hit by cars, and simply becoming lost on their journey between the nest and the water. Once they reach the water, baby ducks spend more time in shallow water where turtles lurk. And they are cared for by only one parent. Both loons take care of their babies. Also, loon parents are better at fighting off danger than ducks are. Copyright 2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form