28 August 2013

Pacific Black Duck, and more

At the same location as the previous White-faced Grey Herons, post.


A couple of ducks had been swimming about in the distance, and then had chosen to paddle between the rocks and find their way to another part of the river, further upstream.  This one is the Pacific Black Duck; with a difference. Seems it's a 'ring-in" - explained further, in Christian's comment.






can't be sure if male or female, so off 'it' goes now in the section where the leaves and litter gets choked up before the filtering concrete baffles you saw last post

and up pops this one looking out for it; hardly a pair, but they definately were sticking together as a team.  When looking at the photos here I noted the green bands on this one.  Is it a Muscovy? Later addition: Having since checked Google/Images on Muscovy ducks, it seems not.

..now I really want to know what kind of duck it is, though it's sure to be another hybridised version I guess


When this one caught up, the two  swam off together,

in the cleaner waters, where a Dusky Moorhen was also enjoying the late afternoon sun.

Much later notation added: Great info' from Alan Morris "The duck with the tags is a domestic duck so some person has put a plastic tag on it as are available for ringing poultry etc. As a domestic duck it does not have to be crossed with a  Pacific Black Duck although it would be a Mallard deriritive, possibly related to those white Peking Ducks which are descended from Mallards.."


Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday

27 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

that buff colored one is certainly unique! love the pacific black duck - so stylish and dramatic with its stripes. :)

Christian Perrin said...

I reckon that Pacific Black Duck is a part hybrid with that farmyard duck that's been dumped there. Usually the PBD has a black bill, not the orange one this individual has. So your unassuming local duck is something of a rarity perhaps?! Nice spotting and that first photo shows up so much detail - I could literally count the feathers on that duck if I had to!

Carole M. said...

ok then, that's interesting Christian and thanks a bunch for your input. I like that I can learn from others observations like this.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Stunning photos Carole.

mick said...

Great close-up photos of the ducks. Pacific Black Ducks unfortunately inter-breed readily especially with Mallards - plus all their hybrids!

Unknown said...

Beautiful ducks!

Joop Zand said...

A lot of nice models for this photographer.....good shots have you made Carole.

Greetings, Joop

Irma said...

Great pictures you have taken, Carole.
Super all those ducks.
Greetings Irma

Bob Bushell said...

Lovely Ducks you've got there.

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Marvelous photos of the different ducks. Great !
Best regards, Synnöve

eileeninmd said...

Great closeups of your Black Duck! It is a handsome duck! And I love the Swamphen too! Have a great day!

Neil said...

Great photos.Interesting to see the hybrid.

Richard Pegler said...

Im see what you mean about your Black Duck - definite similarities there!

Love that header!

diane b said...

Great shots of the ducks, feather sharp. Interesting about the hybrid. The afternoon sun makes the ducks glow.

Lisa Gordon said...

What beautiful creatures they are!

Hootin Anni said...

Those Pacific Black Ducks are quite attractive!!!

Great post Carole

Montanagirl said...

Well, whatever the case, they're beautiful ducks and photos!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Lovely head patterns. Great shots

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Great pictures and interesting that the two kinds are such good companions. I read Christian's comment and that makes sense....neat learning from you and your commenters! Thanks.

Jan Castle said...

Lovely birds...great pics Carole!

Anonymous said...

What great shots of these lovely ducks. Your header is beautiful!

Phil Slade said...

That duck had me fooled until I read Christian's comment. Nice pics Carole.

Brian King said...

Great shots, Carole! Really nice detail! This is a handsome duck!

Stewart M said...

Hi there - nice ducks! I dont think your mystery duck is a muscovy - they are just about the only duck that gets near to being ugly! So, that rules that out!

One day, possibly, I'll write a post when I dont crack a funny - one day!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Nice shots Carole!

Helma said...

Hi Carole,
especially the head of the duck I find beautiful. Nice and clear pictures ehb you made ​​them. Cute ducks :-)

Wally Jones said...

Superb photos of these ducks! Interesting about the possible hybridization.

I really enjoy your posts, Carole!