Inter-species

[seaslug]

Intercourse.

[eaglem]

We've had that much rain the local park has small lakes in it and I saw a pair of Ducks the same as the top one in the shots wading around. What type are they?

[seaslug]

We've had that much rain the local park has small lakes in it and I saw a pair of Ducks the same as the top one in the shots wading around. What type are they?

Australian Shell-duck I think.

[Isac]

Correct. Male Australian Shelduck and the larger one is an Australian Settler goose or better known as a Pilgrim.

[seaslug]

Correct. Male Australian Shelduck and the larger one is an Australian Settler goose or better known as a Pilgrim.

Thanks.. have you observed any of this inter-species activity?

[Isac]

I haven't noticed the actual "park the car in the garage" moment Greg, but I've seen the results. Here's a hybrid which appears to be a Mallard x Pacific Black. I may be wrong though. I have noticed on many occasions a female Mallard which hangs around with a group of Black ducks and seems to be in charge of the whole group. It's rather odd but interesting to watch.

[seaslug]

Yes, looks like a good cross.
I suspect it's reasonably common within a population of ducks of differing breeds, however I was surprised to catch this pairing being duck and goose. I can't imagine there would be offspring but I'm not so surprised that it was this couple. They've been together ever since I've been going to the Arboretum and follow each other around continually.

[Isac]

Just like the Mallard and Pacifics here Greg. Strange bed fellows but it happens with heaps of other creatures.

[LJG]

Cheeky bugga hahaha

[Isac]

And here was I thinking that the shelly was just giving the goose a help with the preening. It would be a rather interesting offspring though. Now there's a PS challenge.