76 ducklings follow mother duck at Minnesota lake

(FOX 13) - A duck in Minnesota has captivated the internet after she was recently seen with a flock of ducklings huddled by her side.

Photographer Brent Cizek counted 76 ducklings following a single merganser duck on Lake Bemidjii.

This particular duck has been photographed with her tiny flock before, appearing on a story from the National Audubon Society, which explained eggs from more than one momma duck will be laid in the same nest and ducklings will sometimes cling to a mother other than its own.

After Cizek's photo was featured by multiple news outlets, he used his newfound popularity to promote the work of the National Audubon Society.

“I would like to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback Mama Merganser has received. If you love seeing these photos, please consider donating to the @audubonsociety to help their mission! Give birds a fighting chance in a changing world: https://action.audubon.org/support/give-now”

To see more of Brent Cizek's photography, visit www.brentcizekphoto.com.