Hidden In The Hills: Ducks

Along many creeks flowing by way of local bushland reserves there are quite a few ponds or deeper pools.  Several water birds frequent the larger pools looking for food as properly as establishing a safe nesting environment in thicker vegetation across the shoreline.

One such fowl is the Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa).  Although it is present in appropriate habitats all through Australia, it's typically a cautious chook when not accustomed to individuals.
It can be solitary, but in addition gathers in pairs and small groups.  When breeding, mature geese are largely seen in pairs as they dabble alongside the edges of water courses trying to find aquatic plants.

Hidden In The Hills: Ducks  is characterised by a distinctive blue bill, black and white markings on its head, with its neck and body being coated in dappled dark brown plumage.

Other ducks that frequent bushland waterways are the Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata) and the Australian Shellduck (Tadorna tadornoides).  All three principally favor a hollow in a tree for nesting which is simply a brief distance above the bottom in close proximity to water.

These three species may lay as a lot as 10 eggs each.  The clutch leaves the nest very soon after start.  Both mother and father take critically the duty of elevating and defending their family.  The Australian Wood duck illustrated has a clutch of at least thirteen chicks to take care of.

When younger, the newborn ducklings are confined to the ground, concealing themselves in lengthy grass not far from the mother or father birds.  They also have the flexibility to swim within a few days of hatching.

See related story: Hidden in the Hills: Kunzeas

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One such fowl is the Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa).  Although it is found in suitable habitats all through Australia, it is typically a cautious fowl when not accustomed to folks.