As many posters would know the Freckled Duck is variously regarded as rare, endangered or vulnerable. On the Birds in Backyards site it's listed as vulnerable in NSW & SA, endangered in Vic & secure in WA. Whatever, there's always a justifiably huge outcry when duck shooters massacre any which is quite often enough.
Yesterday, Ms Woko & I were thrilled to bits to see about 7 at the Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, SA.
The Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds tells me that the Freckled Duck "is thought to be a primitive form closely related to the ancestors of waterfowl before they differentiated into swans, geese & ducks". (One of those "Well, I never" moments). "It differs from ducks in having its windpipe outside the breastbone like the Pied Goose". (One of those "Well, I never never" moments).
Great shots Woko. I have been watching them for a few months at Laratinga and they look well settled as well as Pink Ears. Have also seen the Freckleds at Barker Wetlands but not so many.
Hi Rick. Great to hear that the Freckled Ducks have been at Laratinga Wetlands for a while.
The Barker Wetlands to which you refer: Are they the Barker Inlet Wetlands or wetlands in Mt Barker other than the Laratinga Wetlands?
Barker Inlet wetlands. Saw a group of six in the main pond South of the Port Expressway. Not sure if your supposed to be in there though☺
How exciting to be able to see them! I have only seen them once and I was absolutely thrilled
Great photos!
Thanks for the information, Rick. I thought it might have been Barker Inlet (in SA), a place I've yet to visit.
I overlooked mentioning there a couple of Pink Ducks in the first two shots.