Running on water and diving deep
This was the most incredible duck study day! Many things were happening that I have
never seen before: paradise ducks diving and swimming under water like dolphins, trying
to take off from the water, the parents allowing other duck species to invade their territory
in droves, the mother feeding like crazy. I gave this interested young man in the photo
some bread to feed the ducks, so I could take some pictures of this surprising behaviour.
The ducklings are now three months old and come and go at any time. It is impossible
to tell their number. I just suppose that it remains at eleven when I last saw them all together,
or perhaps only ten as last week when I left and mother duck had picked up stray ducklings in
various locations.
It is still possible that a duck gets killed by a dog or a car, like the mallard
that lay sqashed on the centre line of Park Terrace today. Today only up to seven ducklings
and the parents were together at any one time.
   Standing proud and presenting the new look and the beautiful colours of the females.  One big splishing and splashing... The ducklings chased each other, perhaps to encourage the action.    |
   Mother and daughter on the water. (Sorry for the unavoidable overexposure of the heads, ther was too much reflection.)
   The other duck species offered the same display just a few metres from the paradise ducks. But they did not dive.    ... and one of their favourite trees had to be felled. |
But overall, what a day - and what an experience!
Unfortunately I cannot go to see the ducks in the next two weeks. Hopefully I will find them
again afterwards, so I can report on their final steps towards adulthood.
For now, thanks to all the other people who have cared so much much about this
extraordinary feathered family!