Ladies First by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Oct 01, 2007

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Description

This is one of my favourite Ducks, as they have the most endearing way of seemingly showing affection for each other. The White-Faced Whistling Duck pair here I have shown previously, and on this occasion he seemed to be waiting for his lady to go first into the nearby lake! The habitat is still freshwater lakes or reservoirs, with plentiful vegetation, where this duck feeds on seeds and other plant food. This species has a long grey bill, long head and longish legs. It has a white face and crown, and black rear head. The back and wings are dark brown to black, and the underparts are black, although the flanks have fine white barring. The neck is chestnut. All plumages are similar, except that juveniles have a much less contrasted head pattern. This species is gregarious, and at favoured sites, the flocks of a thousand or more birds arriving at dawn are an impressive sight. As the name implies, these are noisy birds with a clear three-note whistling call.

Comments (57)

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Hendesse

1:29PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Excellent capture of this beautiful ducks. Wonderful colors and excellent details. Superb shot!!

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amlondono

1:36PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

GREAT SHOT !

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Zorg1955

1:37PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Elegant and smart image Danny !

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elmurray

1:38PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Such a gentleman to let the lady go first! A wonderful capture, Danny!

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Valentin

1:42PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

This is such a superb capture of this beautiful and loving couple!!

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rainbows

1:47PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

The age of chivalry in not dead.. in the duck kingdom!!! A wonderful shot Danny, you show well the character of this loving couple!! It is a wonderful work, it makes me smile!! Always good to read your information and learn. Hugz. Di.

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jeroni

1:52PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

excelente captura

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Ragazzo_Solo

1:54PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Highest rating (5) for the picture. But I have to tell you that my personal experience with other species of ducks (Mallards) is a bit different. I have observed "duck rape" at its worst. From wikipedia's "Mallard" article: "When they pair off with mating partners, often one or several drakes will end up "left out". This group will sometimes target an isolated female duck — chasing, pestering and pecking at her until she weakens (a phenomenon referred to by researchers as rape flight), at which point each male will take turns copulating with the female." See also: http://idolbat.com/downloads/Guide_to_Stop_Duck_Rape.pdf Still a great picture!

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Margana

2:02PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Lovely shot, Danny. Their gentleness seems to really come across. It must be wonderful to see them arrive at dawn like that...

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pjaj

2:04PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Beautiful photography!! Excellent caputre Danny:o)

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Isha-NightWalker

2:04PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Those are 2 very beautiful ducks. Excellent photograph

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carlx

2:06PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Wonderful and very lovely ducks!!! Splendid image!!!

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Georges_H_Hoens

2:13PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Hi Dan hope you're fine and that things of life are'nt too heavy. This is a wonderful shot, as ever the harmony of the composition is amazing
I wish you a peaceful evening, Georges.

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danob

2:15PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Thanks Ragazzo for your observations whilst it is indeed true ducks esp Mallards are prone to this type of behaviour I too have witnessed this often enough... One reason why I love the Whistling ducks who really do show almost human qualities with females.. Being protective and seemingly caring! Though in nature it is probably not true to assume animal behaviour can be associated with the worst of humanities failings.. We simply do not fully understand whats going on.. Many creatures for example maybe just trying to ensure that the strongest animals are only the ones to mate with to ensure a strong gene pool!

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Janiss

2:16PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Oh what a fabulous graphic with this POV... these two necks are splendid... an amazing shot Danny!

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mojo1917

2:37PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

fantastic shot, love the "pose" you've captured. really like the light and DOF awesome job. they are stunning creatures.

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Hedepo

2:39PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

A very funny shot!! Excellent piece of Duck-Photo-Art Have a nice evening henk

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drag

2:47PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Wow reminds me of work by Audubon. Could be put on a Stamp.

MrsLubner

3:09PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

I got to see these ducks for the first time at our zoo this summer. They are very personable - with each other but not much for humans. :-) This is a wonderful, detailed shot!

BorisB

3:13PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Wonderful presentation of this cute pair!!

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gunsan

3:30PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

Wonderful shot, they look so sweet.

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mark.spooner

3:49PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

A beautifulcapture, excellent composition and detail.

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Meezan

3:59PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

looks like a freaky two headed duck. lol.

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mermaid

4:22PM | Mon, 01 October 2007

can understand you very well...they do have an endearing way of seemingly showing affection for each other and they do look noble...all of which you captured in this wonderful shot

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