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DUCKS AND GEESE

Ducks and geese have the magical quality of lending an air of tranquility to any pool of water they inhabit. Perhaps it results from the combination of attractive colours, their rounded, plump bodies, their habit of living in small family groups, and the quiet but boldly innocent manner in which they live and swim in the placid waters they have chosen.

The attractive multicolored Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyp tiacus) are the most abundant and widespread of these water-dwelling species and can be seen at any time of year in most of the rivers, dams and pools. Usually they are found in pairs, although occasionally large numbers may congregate in and around pools on the open veld. Walking slowly in the shallow water or along the bank, they search for soft and tasty bits of vegetation such as freshly sprouted grass, and algae. Egyptian geese seem to breed throughout the year, nesting in a variety of situations, often in thick vegetation near water or on the abandoned nest of a hamerkop. Fluffy chicks are frequently seen scurrying around the parents or slowly gliding on the water, always inviting another lingering look.

Largest of the water-fowl is the Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis). Summer migrants, individuals or flocks of more than 20 birds, colonize stretches of river or pans over the entire area from the Crocodile river up to the Limpopo. They prefer open expanses of water fringed with luxuriant grass or short vegetation where they can search for tasty shoots of plants, young grass and occasionally soft, fallen fruits. Except when breeding, they seldom remain long in one place, preferring to fly off seeking new pans, often stopping for a while at small, temporary pools formed by a shower of rain.

The White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), named for the broad band of white running across the eyes and over the head, is one of the most handsome water-birds in the Park. Only present in summer, and rather rare, these birds are found in small flocks on many of the rivers and pans. They are most active at night, wading in the shallows in search of small water animals or seeking seeds along the banks. By day they either sleep or sit quietly atop some log or fallen tree, casting an occasional wary eye at some unfamiliar sound before settling peacefully again.

Knob-billed Ducks (Sarkidiornis melanotos) are among the most prominent avian summer visitors. The males, particularly, draw attention because of the large spoon-like outgrowth, which projects upright along the top of the bill, and their contrasting black and white body coloration. An omnivorous species, these ducks feed on insects and plant seeds on the edges of rivers or pans. During the rainy season they are fairly common in most areas, often being seen at pans or dams in the open veld.

About eight other species of ducks and geese spend part or all of their lives in the Park. Most only arrive in summer when rains have formed pools of water for them to inhabit; all are rare and not often seen. During the dry winter months these birds migrate further north into Africa in search of warmth, water and food.

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