While fishing on the lower reaches of the Fitzroy River in South West Victoria on 2 January about 8pm. I noticed a Musk Duck swimming about 15m away near the reeds on the bank. I have always been fascinated by this duck and its peculiar wattles. I watched as it was making simultaneous splashes to each side of its body. Immediately following each splash I heard a long sharp very strong whistle. The splashes and the whistles were so well coordinated that I concluded that they originated from the same source. I timed the break between each whistle and splash to be constantly about 10 seconds. The splash being made by each leg simultaneously on each side of its body, the tail feathers would then become erect followed by a long whistle. The duck appeared to have its own water dance combining rhythmic body movement and song. Each splash and whistle separated by the same timing and body movement. I know the Musk Duck has mythological significance to the Aboriginal people of Gippsland. Have other people also observed the water dance of the Musk Duck? Chris Loorham Planning Consultant & Mediator www.chrisloorhamplanningconsultant.com.au
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Yes, many years ago at Lake Tourourrong Reservoir,near Whittlesea. The bird was throwing up such continuous plumes of water either side of its body that my first thought was of a water-skier, and rhythmically whistling as well. This was at about 11 a.m. (sun – time, not DST). I spotted three females watching from the reeds. An extraordinary bird, said to be part of the Bunyip myth. Anthea Fleming On 5/01/2015 3:46 PM, Chris Loorham wrote:
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Yes other people have observed the water dance of the Musk Duck, this splash and whistle is a standard part of its display……. See e.g. page 29 of Pizzey’s field guide. Quite dramatic. Philip —–Original Message—– Chris Loorham Sent: Monday, 5 January 2015 3:47 PM While fishing on the lower reaches of the Fitzroy River in South West Victoria on 2 January about 8pm. I noticed a Musk Duck swimming about 15m away near the reeds on the bank. I have always been fascinated by this duck and its peculiar wattles. I watched as it was making simultaneous splashes to each side of its body. Immediately following each splash I heard a long sharp very strong whistle. The splashes and the whistles were so well coordinated that I concluded that they originated from the same source. I timed the break between each whistle and splash to be constantly about 10 seconds. The splash being made by each leg simultaneously on each side of its body, the tail feathers would then become erect followed by a long whistle. The duck appeared to have its own water dance combining rhythmic body movement and song. Each splash and whistle separated by the same timing and body movement. I know the Musk Duck has mythological significance to the Aboriginal people of Gippsland. Have other people also observed the water dance of the Musk Duck? Chris Loorham Planning Consultant & Mediator http://www.chrisloorhamplanningconsultant.com.au
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