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!
Synchronized dabbling -- isn't that an Olympic sport now?
ReplyDeleteIt should be, Debra.
DeleteAdorable! They are sweet ducks and now they seem to be having some friends drop in for the holidays. :-)
ReplyDeleteThey were gracious hosts, Jan.
DeleteSo sweet. I love these shots. Love the ripple in the water of the first photograph.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the birds so much, HW.
DeleteWatching birds is such good therapy for me.
ReplyDeleteYou live in bird lover’s paradise, Tabor.
DeleteThere'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.
ReplyDeleteThey are hardy creatures, AC.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteAmazing creatures, Joanne.
Deletethey 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!!
ReplyDeletevery nice captures!!
It makes me shiver to watch them, Debbie.
DeleteI don't know how creatures of God handle the cold weather, but of course He equips them for it. brrrr.
ReplyDeleteI know. It is a natural wonder reallly, SW.
DeleteSynchronised dabbling cracked me up. And undoubtedly is MUCH better to watch than synchronised swimming.
ReplyDeleteYet another lovely post. Thank you.
They existed in harmony, EC. And so entertaining.
DeleteDucks are fun to watch, you never know what they will do when others come in to their space. Your captured some nice photos Marie.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill. Ducks are among my favourite creatures!
DeleteIt seems all ended well! No grudges, no bitterness...
ReplyDelete: )
Just sharing what was available in harmony, Catarina.
DeleteHilarious. Perfect shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara
DeleteI love ducks. Seeing them always makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Ratty.
DeleteCute! Imagine the duck and the muskrat chasing other and some funny cartoon music playing? I can picture it now! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine it, Jenn!
DeleteSynchronized enjoyment that's it.
ReplyDeletePriceless for sure, Mage.
DeleteI love the synchronized photo. So cute. You two capture some wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy our adventures, Mildred.
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