Duck movements

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 16

Duck movements

Sir,—Derrick Rooney’s article about ducks and other wildlife around the Botanic Gardens adds another chapter to a long story of interest in that gem of natural history. Messrs Baggstrom and Tunnicliffe are adding to observations made by such people as Messrs W. B. Brockie, E.F. Stead, and G. Stokell, before World War 11. Brockie a foreman in the gardens, spent several nights observing ducks’ nests which were high up in trees. He found that when all eggs were hatched the female would station herself on the ground and call the ducklings who would tumble down to her. Stead did valuable work on plumage patterns, moulting and hybridising of grey and mallard ducks. Stokell made studies of fresh-water fish and produced evidence to show that black shags regarded as an enemy of the angler, performed a useful work in keeping eels in check, and so could be beneficial in safe-guarding both trout eggs and ducklings.—Yours,etc.,

GEORGE GUY. May 13, 1981.