Ducks are made for swimming. They are not graceful flyers, and they are even worse landers.

These Gadwalls were photographed as they made their approach to our neighborhood Beaver pond. The group circled the water several times, as if they were trying to work up the nerve to attempt a landing.

One by one the birds mustered the courage they needed. With wings and feet arranged in a “flaps down” position the ducks dropped awkwardly from the sky in a near free fall, all but crashing into the water.

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Gadwall - Skyfall

Observation Details

County Denton
City Carrollton
Date Dec 23, 2012
Time of Day Midmorning
Temperature Cool (50-69°F/10-21°C)
Weather Overcast
Habitat Water-Creek
Type of Behavior Flying
Gender Mixed
Maturity Adult
Observer Chris Jackson
Main Article Gadwall Observation Location

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.