Could be, though I still think it is a quite complex process, as it appears based on other species’ perceptions. Although evolution does happen when accidental
changes become beneficial. Maybe not just evolved for goannas but could be designed against monkeys, cats and any other mammalian predators. As if several ducks do it, it could be a behaviour evolved in ancestral ducks in Asia, Africa……….
As for Graham’s addition. That is just likely because the Kestrels were also wanting to use the hollow, regardless of that the Corellas were there.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Alison Rowell
Sent: Friday, 1 October, 2021 5:24 PM
To: 'David McDonald (Personal)'; 'Canberrabirds'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Waterfowl nesting behaviour
I wouldn’t discount it, many birds behave cryptically around their nests and evolution happens over a very long time. I’ve seen a monitor climbing a large tree and going into a large hollow belonging to Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, over their
hysterical protests. Ducks have fewer defences than cockatoos, Australian Shelducks also nest in large tree hollows.
Alison R
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Philip Veerman
Sent: Friday, 1 October 2021 4:35 PM
To: 'David McDonald (Personal)' <>; 'Canberrabirds' <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Waterfowl nesting behaviour
I have certainly seen this with Aust Wood Ducks. Don’t know how often. So quite possibly other duck species may do this, though I don’t think I have noticed
it in others. Though how many other ducks commonly nest in tree hollows? The suggestion is that it is maybe intentional to not reveal the location of the nest to possible predators. That is a possibility but also a big leap of logic to give it that reason.
For the behaviour to evolve for that reason seems quite farfetched as how can the benefit be so great and what are the predators that it would be designed for. Presumably humans? I hadn’t come across the suggestion before and had not thought it. I see it as
that if you watch Aust Wood Ducks walking along the ground, the males typically walk a few steps behind their female and either follow or guide them from behind. (This is like Queen Liz & Prince P.) because in the duck’s case, he is continually guarding her.
I had simply seen it as he commonly accompanying her to the nest location but did not need to go into the nest.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds
On Behalf Of David McDonald (Personal)
Sent: Friday, 1 October, 2021 3:51 PM
To: 'Canberrabirds'
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Waterfowl nesting behaviour
Greetings. Every Friday, a neighbour of mine distributes an email on a natural history topic to interested locals. Today’s reads, in part:
Many Waterfowl species will nest in open tree hollows, ingeniously disguising the entrance with flybys where the pair fly close and fast in unison past the hollow with one disappearing into the hollow whilst the second
continues on, attracting an onlookers' gaze.
I had not heard of this behaviour before. Any comments/observations, please?
David
--
David McDonald
1004 Norton Road, Wamboin NSW 2620, Australia
Tel: (02) 6238 3706 | Mobile: 0416 231 890
E-mail: m("dnmcdonald.id.au","david");">
