Yes thanks for that. That is surely the spot where I saw them (and probably same 2 birds). I did notice the bird (indeed briefly) raise its wings when preening and thought that looked odd and is it missing the
main flight feathers. I forgot to mention that. That is something that is known to happen in a range of ducks and related species when they moult all these feathers at once, rather than sequentially. I was thinking more along the line that Freckled Ducks tend
to be “lazy”. I recall being advised (by someone with a lot of experience) that if you are looking for Freckled Ducks among a mixed flock of ducks and most fly off, don’t look at the flying birds as much as the one that don’t fly, the unmoved ones are likely
to be the Freckled Ducks. These thoughts may be connected. Although the period of flightlessness should be brief (HANZAB suggests 27 days average). As an aside, my research on the Sarus Cranes found that the Philippine subspecies also moulted all flight feathers
at once and became flightless (which brought about their demise).
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb via Canberrabirds
Sent: Saturday, 8 March, 2025 9:16 AM
To: Canberrabirds
Subject: [Canberrabirds] FW: Freckled Ducks at JW
Philip has described the usually sleepy scene at this particular spot. Why the defender of the coveted projection is often a bit on edge is that he is currently flightless, having moulted
all main flight feathers. Instead of feathers he has rows of tubular sheaths. The visual effect, when occasionally and briefly seen, is quite unexpected. Probably not for ducks, though. So we will see this chap around for a bit longer.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Philip Veerman via Canberrabirds
Sent: Friday, 7 March 2025 12:25 PM
To: 'CanberraBirds email list' <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Freckled Ducks at JW
Yesterday I went to Kellys swamp and was sitting in Bittern hide at 3:30 pm. Whilst I was there, a pair of Freckled Ducks were resting under the willow straight in front of the hide (as in only a few metres away). One on a stick out of
the water and one on the island, about a metre apart. Resting, as in they barely moved for the whole time. Mostly sleeping, with some interruptions for preening and sometimes making what are probably aggressive moves (head down & beak open) towards Black Ducks
when the Black Ducks got close. Both Freckled Ducks had some red on the base of the beak, though not conspicuous. I walked away for about 20 minutes and then came back and they still had not moved.
Philip
