I have been watching migratory birds recently and observed that mallard ducks feed mainly by tipping forward and placing their fringed-edged bills in the water, straining out plants, seeds, and other material. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology categorizes mallards as “dabbling ducks” versus “diving ducks” that go deep underwater to forage for food.
One mallard, though, used a different technique. Instead of dipping his head forward, he flattened himself out and placed his bill almost parallel to the water. He then slowly and systematically paddled back and forth with his beak in the water or just above it, continuously straining and restraining the surface of the water. (Did he require a restraining order?) As the photo shows, there was a lot of plant material available for him to gather. His female partner used the same technique, though I was not able to get a clear shot of her doing so.
I observed another mallard straining in a different way. Along with his female companion, he was perched on a tiny piece of land. I must have startled him a little when I walked by, because he slipped into the water. Realizing he had nothing to fear from me, he tried to regain his spot. It required several vigorous attempts for him to climb out of the water and I managed to capture him straining to do so. I love the contrast between the determined look on his face and the impassive expression on the female’s face.
Strain or strain? It’s so amazing that words can have so many different meanings—it strains the imagination.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
She was probably thinking there he goes again-I just can’t take him anywhere.
Cool. We live on a lake which is a favorite resting spot for mallards. I’m going to take a better look at them from now on.
Great. The other mallard pairs seemed to be using a “normal: approach to feeding. I wonder if they could have been imitating the behavior of the Northern Shovelers that were also in the little pond. (I’ll post photos of them soon.) It’s fun to watch wildlife–you can never predict what they will do next.
Great expressions.
Verbal or facial, i.e. mine or the ducks’?
I was thinking ducks but I can’t believe I haven’t commented on that fine expression of you on the banner.
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