Several groups of 10-20 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were scattered around the first pond at Orlando Wetlands. Most of them were resting or quietly feeding. Then there was this group.

They were creating quite a flap, one or two flying straight up a few feet then wham, dropping into the middle of the group.

It seems too early in the year to be a breeding/territory thing. And there appeared to be plenty of food to go around.

A couple of Coots were unperturbed by the action.

Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
Nice captures! I’ve been seeing birds do this sort of thing, too. It may have to do with dominance/pecking order.
Thank you, and thanks for stopping by! It is always interesting to watch these behaviors in nature 😀