I spent a couple of hours in the Seattle arboretum on Monday. I had
intended to photograph the early flowers, but found the birds more
interesting on that early spring day. There was nothing unusual, but
I enjoyed seeing half a dozen Ruby-Crowned Kinglets foraging in the
forsythias and other shrubs and trees. In a very small pond, there
was a pair of Gadwalls foraging, and I was able to approach closely
for some photographs, which you can find on my weblog at http://
leerentz.wordpress.com

The female Gadwall was more actively feeding than the male?within
about four feet of me at times. She would sit in one place on the
water, vigorously ?paddling? downward with her legs, causing her to
rock rapidly back and forth. Then she would ?tip up? to feed, with
tail stuck into the air. I believe her rapid leg motion helped to
stir up matted aquatic plants so that she could more easily harvest
them when she stuck her head underwater, but it is also possible that
she was after aquatic insects. The male Gadwall kept a wary eye on me
as I watched the female feeding. Any insights into this behavior?

I've always considered the Gadwall a rather plain duck, but up close
and personal, the male's plumage is absolutely elegant!

Lee Rentz
Shelton, WA
lee at leerentz.com
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