Heads Down, Tails Up

A dainty little dive by New Zealand's smallest duck - the New Zealand Scaup.
Webbed feet that are large and set well back on their bodies assist the birds in diving, they spend most of their time on water, moving clumsily on land.

They are able to dive as deeply as 2 metres and maintain these depths while feeding, by paddling their feet. The dives may last from 15 - 40 seconds.

New Zealand Scaup are widespread on clear lakes and lagoons of North and South Islands, they're uncommon, protected and endemic.

Grocery day with mum and a wee wander round the lakes. Lovely sunny day with a cool breeze.