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Monday 18 December 2017

Duck tales

The stream by the boardwalk in Summerside was busy earlier this month. A pair of mallards, male and female, were busy feeding in the stream near the entrance to the bay. 




The two were inseparable, as they swam the length of the stream to the bridge. My husband and I wondered if they were the same pair who appeared in the stream last spring after the ice melted.


On a recent visit to the gazebo which overlooks the stream, one of the ducks was chased by a muskrat. 




After a minute or two, the duck turned and chased the muskrat which swam away as the duck turned. We watched for a few minutes at the two animals at play. I took numerous photos but didn’t manage to take a focussed shot.


Another day, the mallards had friends come to visit. 




Six black ducks shared the stream with the mallards, without any concern for territory or conflict. Since both species are dabbling ducks, there were times when eight heads disappeared below water. 





Synchronized dabbling!


32 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Synchronized dabbling -- isn't that an Olympic sport now?

DJan said...

Adorable! They are sweet ducks and now they seem to be having some friends drop in for the holidays. :-)

The Happy Whisk said...

So sweet. I love these shots. Love the ripple in the water of the first photograph.

Tabor said...

Watching birds is such good therapy for me.

Anvilcloud said...

There's a little drainage pond near us. Most of it is frozen over, but I saw ducks this morning on a patch that was clear.

Joanne Noragon said...

I've watched mallards and Canada geese share the same lake. It was spring, and there seemed to be brood sharing among the mallards. One duck would herd the who colony of chicks around the lake, but come evening they all split off to their own mama for the night.

Debbie said...

they are fun to watch!! i always wonder how they are able to tolerate the temperature of the water....although it may be warmer than the air temperature!!

very nice captures!!

Silver in AZ said...

I don't know how creatures of God handle the cold weather, but of course He equips them for it. brrrr.

Elephant's Child said...

Synchronised dabbling cracked me up. And undoubtedly is MUCH better to watch than synchronised swimming.
Yet another lovely post. Thank you.

Bill said...

Ducks are fun to watch, you never know what they will do when others come in to their space. Your captured some nice photos Marie.

Catarina said...

It seems all ended well! No grudges, no bitterness...
: )

Barbara said...

Hilarious. Perfect shot.

Rick (Ratty) said...

I love ducks. Seeing them always makes me happy.

Jenn said...

Cute! Imagine the duck and the muskrat chasing other and some funny cartoon music playing? I can picture it now! Great shots!

Marie Smith said...

It should be, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

They were gracious hosts, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

I enjoy the birds so much, HW.

Marie Smith said...

You live in bird lover’s paradise, Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

They are hardy creatures, AC.

Marie Smith said...

Amazing creatures, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

It makes me shiver to watch them, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

I know. It is a natural wonder reallly, SW.

Marie Smith said...

They existed in harmony, EC. And so entertaining.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks, Bill. Ducks are among my favourite creatures!

Marie Smith said...

Just sharing what was available in harmony, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks, Barbara

Marie Smith said...

Me too, Ratty.

Marie Smith said...

I can imagine it, Jenn!

Mage said...

Synchronized enjoyment that's it.

Anonymous said...

I love the synchronized photo. So cute. You two capture some wonderful pictures.

Marie Smith said...

Priceless for sure, Mage.

Marie Smith said...

We enjoy our adventures, Mildred.