It appeared to be feeding time at the pond when I was there last time. Oh she’s not going there again I hear you say, but you’ll just have to humour me and try to answer the question I’m going to ask in a minute. Now from what I read these Black Pacific ducks I introduced you to a couple of weeks ago are ‘dabblers’ they feed close to the surface of the water and they do that by tipping over so their head is in the water.
The two adults below were swimming around close to a reedy area off to one side when they started nosing about just under the surface. And then hey presto in one swift movement it was up and over or should I say head down bum up Lol I stood watching him paddling his? little feet in the water then drop down to nose about in the stirred up murky stuff. You can just make out the muddy coloured stirred up water in photos
Photos enlarge with a click
And what about the little Pacific Black ducklings swimmimg about there with Mumma Duck? Do they still feed on land or do they dabble?
For a little while some of them were on the shore line, (love the big Purple Swamphen swimming nearby). I’m not sure how old they were but their feathers still seemed to have a fluffy look to them.
Then Mumma appeared with more of the group (along with another adult) and tipped over/dabbled close to them. And then to my surprise look what those on the shoreline did! Can you see some little heads in the water and some little bums in the air?
Now my question is (for any duck owners out there) is dabbling done by instinct or is it learned behaviour?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_black_duck
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dabbling_duck
Sunday Selections is a weekly meme hosted by River at Drifting through Life as a means of showing photos that have not already been featured on the blog.
Edited to add:
Andrew’s selection
Snoskred’s selection
Elephant Child’s selection
Why don’t you join in as well?
Linking to Michelle’s blog – Nature Notes meme
Still Waters 
My ducks…Muscovies…are born on dry land (if I can keep the mum indoors) but all, once introduced to water, dabble almost instantly.
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Ducks are fascinating creatures.. I do not have any and it is unlikely I ever will, sadly. But I do love to watch them when I get a chance.. 🙂
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Thanks for the link back.
I love the ducklings. As for dabbling, it’s hard to say if it is instinct or learned. Probably a bit of both.
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Thank you for the link.
I do love ducks. And Moorhen.
Thank you.
I think River is right. Like so many things, a bit of both. And learning from example.
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I have seen ducks do this, no idea why they do it so efficiently. I don’t think I could tip over as easily as they…
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Very cute. While I agree it is partly learnt behaviour and partly instinct, I think instinct would have them doing it regardless, perhaps taking a little longer.
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When George had an office near the bay, he had a duck that visited year after year. I have no idea about dabbling tho. 🙂
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I’m sure I saw some seagulls doing the same thing recently.
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The ducks are fun to watch, butts up and all. I love the adorable ducklings. Great series of photos. Have a happy day and week ahead!
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I also love watching ducks! And lucky you to have a moorhen too!
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It’s always fun to see little ones finding their world interesting!
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Dabbling to feed is instinct as is feeding on land looking for little bugs etc. Mom is there is protect them as best she can. Early on she keeps them warm until they are able to regulate their own temperature…Michelle
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I never tire of watching ducks! Lovely!
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