Grebes also make this mistake with wet surfaces, but unfortunately can’t take off from the ground and get stranded.
Alison R
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of John Layton via Canberrabirds
Sent: Thursday, 10 March 2022 6:06 PM
To: Canberra birds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Ducking for the covers
Just an amusing little birding incident I witnessed at the Holt Playing Fields two Saturday mornings ago. Ground staff had placed covers over the wicket which were gleaming
white under bright overcast and drizzle. Suddenly two Pacific Black Ducks glissaded down towards the covers, seemingly they’d mistaken the rain slickened material for a welcoming strip of water amid the manicured green sward. Immediately the leading duck’s
feet touched down it shot skywards again while its mate, following about 6 metres above, arched its wings and seemed to hang in mid-air ambivalence for an instant before following the other upstairs.
John Layton
Holt.
