Northern Pintail (<i>Anas acuta</i>) hens exhibit irrational behaviour, returning to their nests after apparent loss of their broods

Two Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) hens were observed returning alone to their upland nest sites after hatching their broods and taking them to water. Both instances were the result of apparent loss of their broods shortly after reaching water. The hens’ behaviour was irrational and demonstrates that there is an attachment to nest sites that does not immediately cease after hatch and taking their broods to water.