Yesterday (Sat) afternoon I was at Stewart Park watching a flock of
~40 brants circle and eventually land and settle in just beyond the
canadas.
Suddenly, seemingly at an untold signal, the canadas shifted into a
state of itchiness, flapping their wings frequently, scratching
frantically, maneuvering to get water under their wings, doing
somersaults in the water trying to flap their wings underwater. The
affliction seemed to hit the entire flock at the same time, as the
general timbre of the scene shifted from the serene honks of feeding
to bursts of flappings and the odd sights of upside down geese with
feet in the air. The brant flock seemed a bit put off, and started
moving away from those crazy canadas.
Anyone know what this behavior might signify? This happened about when
the air was warmest, which may or may not be related. There was also
one mallard (out of a handful in the area) which started flapping
frequently as well.
Suan
PS. Anyone know where those domestic ducks came from, and whether they
are likely to be able to tough out our winter?
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