[va-richmond-general] Re: [Va-bird] Black bellied Whistling Duck
- From: "Janice Frye" <jjfdc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "'va-bird'" <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "'RAS List'" <va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 23:53:17 -0400
Glad you had a good visit with that coy little duck, and no, not sick of it.
I will look for your container since I live around the corner and go by
every chance I get. For all you fans of mute swans--they have been observed
killing goslings at this pond by George Freeman, the very nice CEO who saw
the BBWD fly in the first day and reported it to RAS. His office overlooks
the pond and he is apparently a duck aficionado for many years. There has
also been much wondering about the disappearance of ducklings in that pond,
though turtles are a possibility. While I was there with Arun, Lewis, and
Fenton the first few hours after the duck arrived, one of the swans moved in
with a threat posture near the BBWD and there was a tense moment as we
wondered what might happen next. If memory serves, George moved in with
food on the water and all was calm. The massive head and neck muscles were
really in striking contrast next to a BBWD. Add this to the Maryland swan
article that said they can eat about 8 lbs. of native Bay grass per
day........ They do appear to be afraid of the GB heron. It will sometimes
keep ducks, geese, and swans away from bread on the water and catch the fish
that rise up to eat the bread! Very amusing. Sorry I missed you guys.
Jan
-----Original Message-----
From: va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Tom and Lynda Blair
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:18 PM
To: va-bird
Subject: [Va-bird] Black bellied Whistling Duck
I know you guys are probably sick of seeing the BBWD, but I have to tell you
I had such fun photographing this little duck today, I had to share.
I brought my secret weapon to the pond. Floating Waterfowl food. I went the
pond and sat down in the grass, mindful of the goose droppings:) and tossed
some duck chow onto the grass.
I had a crowd around me instantly. Including the adorable little guy/girl..
Up close and personal.
The BBWD was very fond of my floating duck balls, and gobbled them up,
coming closer and closer. Glad I brought the small lens:) For photos in the
water, I tossed some of the Waterfowl food into the pond and the BBWD went
right in after them.. He whistled several times, which was great! There was
a GBH right in front of me catching small fish as well. I was having so much
fun shooting all the various Mallards, and the GBH, that I have to
apologize. I left there and forgot my duck chow container on the ground. If
anyone finds it could you please dispose of it for me? Sorry!
I know Mute Swans aren't very popular, but I have to say there is a
beautiful pair in the pond on the other side of the street that were showing
off for me as well. I didn't feed them, but did enjoy taking a few
photographs of them as they floated majestically by.
The pictures are here if you are interested..
http://lyndablair.smugmug.com/gallery/6338784_CdDcV/14/541734983_fKja6#54498
8891_F397b
Thanks for the directions to this great little spot!
Happy birding..
Lynda Blair
New Kent County
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