Thursday 12 April 2012

Duck Survival Camouflage



The Ducks on the lower river have now dispersed all over the place to nest. The bulk of the ducks to be seen openly, are now mainly Drakes without partners. They are ready to pounce on any nesting females that show up for a feed. It's tough being a female duck at this time of year, not only do they have to put up with all the testosterone packed Drakes, but their own survival and that of their precious eggs is all down to them alone. Their rather plain feathers are ideally evolved to match the decayed springtime foliage, even their eyes are located in their dark head band. This allows them to watch predators without giving away their position, perfect survival camouflage. The biggest threat sitting on their nest, is loose uncontrolled sniffing and hunting dogs, owners should be mindful of the ducks that we all so admire, and keep their dogs under close control over the next 3 months !

















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