Feathered Fancy

The ducks are a major feature of any trip to Warrandyte for me. Their antics on the water are lots of fun. I particularly enjoy wathching them swim around in the currents. And their water landings are superb.

Another duck specialty that often catches my attention is the colouring and patterns of their wings. The more I look at the way their feathers are aranged and the depth of colour hidden under the brown, the more fascinated I am.

Dinner Guests

Fish and chips for tea on the banks of the Yarra at Warrandyte--it was my reward for at least doing a little bit of clearing up at home today after a big week.

We had planned on sharing our chips with the ducks, but didn't expect any to be as bold as this one. I took this shot with my portrait lens. I actually had to change lenses while this duck helped itself from the pack of chips on our picnic rug!
This little guy actually took a chip from my hand. For years I've been going to Warrandyte hoping to catch a good shot of the ducks and usually ending up with a small figure against a muddy background. I love the combination of colours in their plumage, and even though this shot doesn't catch any of the more spectacular colours, it does catch the character of a little duck who know what she? he? wants--please excuse my ignorance of duck biology.