A diverse assortment of ducks stole the show on a recent visit to the lake. Their loud quacking resonated from across the lake where they were resting on accessible vegetation, logs and mudflats.

As social creatures, many ducks tend to prefer living in communal groups. They do this mainly for safety and to cultivate their social and foraging skills.

Ducks bob their heads as a form of nonverbal communication. This pair appear to be forming a bond, with the male nodding his head to convey interest and affection, while the female nods hers to show her acceptance. This behavior is a component of a courtship ritual, as ducks typically begin mating in late winter or early spring.

Ducks also move their heads up and down and employ rapid side-to-side head motions as they sift their bills through the lake water searching for aquatic plants and seeds. Additionally, they stir up mud to uncover insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

While feeding, ducks dunk their bills in the water to rinse their food, to facilitate swallowing and digestion, and to maintain the cleanliness of their bills.

What fun to spend a portion of the afternoon watching these beautiful and interesting birds, and how amazing to consider the role that something as simple as “head-bobbing” plays in the life of a duck.

“There is a way that nature speaks … Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.” ~Linda Hogan