Some ducks are categorized as Dabbling Ducks. Dabbling Ducks are characterized by their ability to take flight directly from the water’s surface, and their unusual method of feeding. A Dabbling Duck feeds by upending its body in the water so that its head is under the water and its rear end sticks up into the air. This behavior allows the duck to feed on submerged vegetation and aquatic insects.
I observed these Gadwalls “dabbling” in our local Beaver pond. The male in these photographs is developing his breeding plumage. Evidently mating season is approaching.
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton |
|
| City | – | Carrollton | |
| Date | – | Jan 21, 2012 | |
| Time of Day | – | Midmorning | |
| Temperature | – | Cold (less than 50°F/10°C) | |
| Weather | – | Clear | |
| Habitat | – | Water-Creek | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Feeding | |
| Gender | – | Mixed | |
| Maturity | – | Adult | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson |
