Observation of Duck Behavior at Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack  is a haven for ducks. In the summer, the common mergansers have left, their diving days done at the lake, leaving it to the year round residents, the mallards. It is at this time that the true nature of duck behavior comes to the forefront. I was one of the fortunate ones to see this first hand.

The day starts early. The sun begins to peek over the lake at about 5:15 am. The mist is still floating along the surface. At this time, there is a quack. It is the Morning Duck.

 It is the "Morning Duck" who opens the day by sitting silhouetted against the lake. Not much is known about the Morning Duck. Some researchers believe that it is the alpha-duck and the same duck makes its appearance every morning. Others believe that the position rotates as a different duck each day becomes the Morning Duck. Several scientists have proposed the theory that the ducks are part of a Democratic Republic that votes on the Morning Duck. This job has term limits which usually revolves around hunting season. (See "The Majority Quack" by Professor Harvey Cedars, West Coast University, Eastern Shore Press, Maryland, 20 April 2016)

 Most ducks live on one side of the lake. They form a very tight knit flock. They share swimming space, feeding areas and gossip. Other ducks are seen joining the group from the other side of Wallenpaupack. These are more sophisticated, upper class ducks. They are usually fashionably late. In spite of this, they are welcomed. Linguistic experts have determined that some ducks are less tolerant of this behavior and the pattern of two quacks and a squawk may translate to the expression "slumming". (See "More Than a Quack", by Professor James A. "Duckie" Milquert, University of London at Heathrow, 20 April 2016)

Most group meetings begin with the preening. As shown in the photograph, the ducks line up along the shore and do a certain amount of self-beautification. Removing pin feathers, stretching wings and shaking tail feathers are just some of the activities the ducks join in. 

In comparison, there is little differences in preening between humans and ducks. Several behaviorists have hypothesized that ducks may have been observing human behavior and struck upon this as imitation. A more aesthetic scientist recently proposed that duck may be reincarnated humans, which allows them to have more human traits than water fowl traits. (See "Human-Avian Reincarnation-A View for the Other Side" by Professor John "Blue Sunshine" Greenleve, University of South West California at Needles, 20 April 2016)

After preening, a communal breakfast is had. Showing the agility of mountain goats, the ducks jump from the shoreline to the grassy area where the feasting begins. As grass does not move with the flow of the lake water, like algae and other plant life, it is an easier catch. This amount of gorging is only found at the beginning of the day. The ducks, once again, mirror humans, finding that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

This particular day, however, brings to light a response seldom seen by science. A young mother has brought her five ducklings to the morning meal. Bills turn, looking at this possible breach of etiquette. It was likely the young mother was unable to leave her ducklings at the nest. Although, rare, this behavior has been documented. Several online care services have begun to offer sitters for ducks.

At this point, the ducks disperse. Scientists are unsure if this was caused by the presence of children or by the finish of the morning meal. Most behaviorist who have large families tend to lean toward the intolerance of children to the group, as they have personally experienced this at restaurants, lectures and operas. (See "So I Have Six Kids, So What?", by Professor Simone Perchekovski, University of Lower Bulgaria, 20 April 2016)

Some ducks go their separate ways, while others stay together in small groups. It is believed that many are running errand while others meet in places where tea and finger sandwiches of algae can be found. Studies have shown that most ducks have returned to their nests in time for "The View", as current events have become very important in the duck community. (See "Duck Politics: Will They Be a Force in the 2020 Election?", by Professor Herman N. Catnipp, University of Washington, D.C. at Union Station, 20 April 2016)

Next time: Do Ducks Display Cannibalistic Tendencies at Asian Restaurants?