Ducks and Surfing Black Swans
By Birding-Aus, on December 14th, 2013
Some years ago we saw ducks riding downstream on a strong current in one of the outlet channels at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee. Mostly Pinkears and Australian Shovelers but a few Black Ducks with them. There was no doubt in our minds that the birds were doing this for enjoyment, whizzing downstream among clouds of foam and then battling upstream, or sometimes flying, to do it again and again. This was in a channel leading seawards from the road leading east to the Borrow Pits. The tide was very low and water levels in the ponds were high, so a strong current developed. The channel was quite crowded with the birds – we made no attempt to count them at the time but in recollection there were dozens and dozens of them. I still have some print photos of the scene. The Black Swans in the clip also seemed to be enjoying the waves. Anthea Fleming On 14/12/2013 3:07 PM, Jenny Stiles wrote: > Hi list, > I thought you might enjoy this clip of Black Swans surfing! I don’t think I have seen Swans on the open ocean, much less enjoying the waves! http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/12/14/07/13/surfing-swans-astonish-gold-coast-swimmers > > From Jenny Stiles > > > > > > —– > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG – www.avg.com > Version: 2013.0.3462 / Virus Database: 3658/6918 – Release Date: 12/13/13 >
Dear all My most memorable unusual sight was many years ago when watching the surf breaking on the rocks below and the beach nearby from a high point I saw a Silver Gull being “dumped” by an unexpected wave. It came up four or five seconds later looking very flustered (embarrassed? too anthropomorphic??) Shirley —– Original Message —– Cc: < birding-aus@vicnet.net.au> Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 6:16 PM
These stories remind me of a much milder version I’ve seen with ducks on Lake Borrie at WTP, or at least on the pond next to it. When the Northern Shoveler was around earlier this year, I noticed that it, along with the Australasian Shovelers, was allowing itself to drift with the wind to one side of the pond, then it would swim to the upwind side again, and start over. I rarely saw it feeding during these movements. Occasionally it would rest on the sheltered bank for a while before resuming the cycle. Not as exciting as surfing or a fast flowing channel, but still the same kind of repetitive drifting and returning. Why? Perhaps just a desire to be on the water and moving? Or prey is scarce enough that this is the most efficient way to increase chances of encountering some? Peter Shute Sent from my iPad