Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks: Where Quacks Reign Supreme
A large flock of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks.
The unmistakable calls, reminiscent of plastic whistles, heralded the arrival of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks at Circle B, their presence announced before they came into view.
Despite their duck-like appearance, these creatures defy conventional duck behavior – they avoid deep water, exhibit swan or geese-like mannerisms, and even nest in trees, making their behavior quite peculiar for ducks. A truly odd combination – looking like a duck, nesting like an owl, and mating like a swan. Oh dear!
Safety in numbers.
A scene unfolded as juvenile Glossy Ibis, eager to explore the feeding grounds amongst the ducks, was met with a swift reprimand. The ducks were quick to voice their disapproval, resulting in a brief but animated interaction. The glossy ibis, undeterred, continued its exploration, occasionally receiving assertive quacks and gestures from the ducks. This unexpected clash of interests created a lively moment of interaction.
‘You Can’t Sit With Us’
Sometimes, several ducks would approach from a distance, circling before finding a spot to land. Managing a clear focus in a flock proved challenging; deciding which one to focus on became a bit of a puzzle, often complicated by some opting to land behind the reeds.
Capturing them at various angles added a fun dimension to the challenge. As they descended for a landing, their wobbling and wafting motions, along with the subtle movement of their legs and feet, added to the spectacle.
This was a photographic adventure, presenting both joy and a bit of chaos!
Boldly soaring into view.
