New Zealand Scaup

Maori name: Papango

New Zealand's smallest duck and only true diving duck.

The New Zealand Scaup are sociable and non-aggressive in behaviour. They have a squat, dark, glossy body and males have bright yellow eyes. Females are more modest, generally brown in colour, including their button-brown eyes. Webbed feet are large and set well back on their bodies to assist in diving. Calls are usually soft, musical chittering sounds and a series of muted whistles from males. They are able to dive as deeply as 2 metres and may last as long as 15-40 seconds. They feed on aquatic invertebrates, fish, tadpoles, algae, the seeds and shoots of water plants and surface insects.

As I walked by the river this morning, there were four of these little ducks gliding along with the current. I watched and photographed for a while as they're a favourite of mine. On getting back home and uploading my photos, I couldn't believe this one!! It just had to be my blip for today :)

Other than this capture and quiet walk, its been a day of chores - the normal ones. Still have tea to do of which Daughter A has requested Meatballs before
heading to Wellington, so perhaps thats what it will be with a nice salad.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend :)