A view from the Duck feed.
In recent weeks I have been covering for colleagues whilst they take annual leave. This has meant that I've had the opportunity to get out and about on the duck feed.
Whilst I feed the birds at the Top Hut every day, it is nice to get out and about in order to observe the birds on display... These drake American wigeon were looking particularly smart. The combination of iridescent green, gold and baby blue is just perfect.
Other species also stood out for me. I've not spent time looking at Rosybill for a long long while. This drake was looking absolutely stunning dabbling for food amongst a group of 20 or so in the South American side pen. Preened to perfection; this lovely bird had droplets of water just tumbling off his lovely plumage, his iridescent purple sheen and delicate rippled plumage showing nicely. Nearly all of the captive birds have now finished their moult and have moved out of eclipse. It is lovely to see them fitting in a nice bit of flirting practice before winter sets in!
There was a surprise in store in Mrs. Noahs. I've had a long and tumultuous relationship with this female Red crowned crane... she once occupied a holding pen at the Top hut for several months, and became quite notorious amongst our Avicultural volunteers. As with many captive cranes, she has been parent reared (although not at Slimbridge) and can exhibit a bit of an "attitude" to some members of staff who are unaware of body language.
Any trainer of any animal will tell you that "animals do not speak English!" You have to teach them about yourself and your requirements through repetition, focus, body language and occasional treats.
What do you think this crane is telling me through its body language?
It is not showing me submission, and nor is it showing that it wants a cuddle. This is the ultimate threat in crane body language... First they'll peck you, then they'll jump at you feet first, and the ultimate threat is to sit down. If you think about it, they've got the maximum spring possible from those strong muscular legs, and they'll come at you all guns blazing!
So how do you deal with this? Well I stood still, one leg forward, hands on hips, head high, and grumbled. I showed no fear and looked her in the eye. We used to play this game quite regularly, and 'touch wood' she's never jumped at me yet. Eventually she stood up, and I did my usual diversionary tactic of throwing pellets onto her wing covets for her to hunt as they hit the ground. After a couple of minutes at this game, I confidently moved towards her, pushing her in front of me a few metres before deviating off to the feeder. She looked suitably grumpy, and so I had her approaching me a second time on the return journey. Now that she'd shown proper submission however, I could re-install my power over her by confidently walking past at an inoffensive tangent, with my hands on my hips (my wings) fully displayed.
Most visitors think it is hilarious!
Lastly, it is dawn of the zombie swans in the big pen. Despite their big fat guts they are still naturally stock-piling their fat deposits ready for the winter. By the time it really gets cold, they are waiting for the feed barrow right up round the gate by Wellybootland! It's a pretty spectacular sight :)
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