Becoming independent - a curious duckling!

These little striped ducklings are becoming more bold and investigating the river, sometimes getting too daring and making the parents call in agitation!

Paradise Shelduck, Tadorna variegata, is a large goose-like duck endemic to New Zealand. They are known to the M?ori as P?tangitangi. Both the male and female have striking plumage, the male has a black head and barred black body, the female a white head with a chestnut body.

Paradise Shelducks usually live as pairs, grazing on grass and weeds, and will raid crops, particularly when moulting.

They form long-term pair bonds, often lasting for life, and defend territories. They have a long breeding season which is between August through December.

I remember the first time I saw them on the river, only one pair. Now there are many pairs competing for territories.