Blue-winged Teals often eat in circles, almost like a choreographed dance of vacuum cleaners. There was plenty of duckweed to go around on this day and the wind was keeping it concentrated in one side of the pond, keeping the ducks near the walking path.
The duck’s movements leaves trails in the duckweed, indistinguishable from a path made by an underwater Alligator.
These three female Teals stayed in a row for quite awhile, perhaps because there is safety in numbers.
When the light hits them just right the iridescence on the males’ heads is quite pretty.
Love their markings, Ellen. The threesome is sweet. Very nice series.
They are understated beauties, aren’t they? I haven’t often seen that light blue patch, either, as they swim about. Thanks, Jane, glad you enjoyed them.
We’ve got one of these on the lawn here in NZ:
https://exploringcolour.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/blue_vacuum_500w.jpg
Oh my, that’s a sight! 🙂 And a gorgeous colour!
Can’t beat a purebred blue-winged vacuum 🙂
🙂
Stunning capture of the single male, Ellen! Bravo!!
Thanks, Donna, I was pleased he stopped for a few moments. This group was eating like they’d never seen food. Usually I’ve seen a more casual grazing.