June ] LOWE, Freckled Duck in 175 1974 The Freckled Duck in Victoria By V. T. and T. G. LOWE, Mystic Park, Victoria.

SUMMARY These notes make claims for the status of the Freckled Duck in Victoria, and show some more aspects of behaviour and feeding. Little information had been published of the movements or behaviour of the Freckled Duck, Stictonetta naevosa, prior to the appearance of a paper by P. A. Johnsgard, " Observations on some Aberrant Australian ", Wildfowl Trust 16th Annual Report, 1965, pp 73-83, and later the work of H. J. Frith Waterfowl in in 1967. On Frith's distribution map the shaded area where Freckled Ducks can be found "at any time in most years", covers the New South Wales Riverina, but leaves the Victorian side of the Murray River unmarked. In our area, covering the north-west lakes district of Victoria, we could not perhaps fulfil that claim but we could go close to it. It should, therefore, be of interest to students to learn precisely of the numbers that appear annually, their length of stay and the pattern of behaviour in this, their fringe, habitat. To indicate the frequency and extent of occurrences in the north­ west lakes district, the following list is of the major flocks seen by us in the years 1957 to 1971. r August 11, 1957. 50 on Lake Bael Bael. September 9, 1957. 200 birds on the same lake; this was about three months after the closure of the Duck Season, during which we had shown that a large number of Freckled Ducks had been shot in the same area. (Emu, vol. 58, P. 26.) March 22, 1959. 30 birds on Lake Tutchewop. February 18, 1961. Again a number found in shooters' bags, and bunches of a dozen or so at several district waters. June 10, 1962. Several groups, difficult to count, mixed with large flocks of more common species, congregated on Lake Tutchewop, after the closure of the shooting season. July 19, 1964. 180 Cullens Lake (see Johnsgard). October 6, 1964. Eight birds near flooded lignum, the site of extensive breeding in a season many years ago. October 13, 1964. Another visit revealed one remaining pair but no evidence of nesting. December 11, 1964. One pair, with red-billed male, in nearby Marsh. February 6, 1965. A flock of 40 on Lake Tutchewop; three red- billed males noted still there on February 14. January 2, 1966. 40 birds Lake Tutchewop; also noted earlier. January 8, 1966.80, estimated, Tutchewop (see text). January 18, 1966. 20 scattered over Lake Tutchewop. January 26, 1969. One Cullens Lake; three Bael Bael. February 7, 1969. Nine Cullens Lake, five in a group consisting of two pairs and a single , two red-bills. 176 LOWE [ Bird Watcher

February 14, 1969. 100 approximately (see text). February 21, 1970. Large numbers evidently shot at opening shoot of the Duck Season; most shooters contacted had a few. June 17, 1970. 145 , (see text). July 7, 1970. Similar flock still on lake but scattered over the water and difficult to count. July 26, 1970. 81 on Lake Tutchewop. November 7, 1970. Five on Lake Tutchewop. December 1, 1970. Twelve on Lake Tutchewop. December 28, 1970. Number on Tutchewop, resting on land at water edge with Pink-eared Ducks. 1971. 20 plus, Tutchewop, roosting on bank at water edge, scat­ tered among other duck species. The few small numbers inserted above in 1969, and particularly in 1970, shows the calendar coverage we get in some seasons, as against the picture of a rare brief visit by a few ranging birds. January and February are the periods of greatest concentrations on these permanent waters. The main reason for this is probably that the more transient waters of the north dry up as summer heat advances. Conversely the scarcity of Freckled, and some other ducks, in the months following may be attributed to the blasting that they receive through late February, March and April, during the Victorian open shooting season; the majority of surviving birds retreating to more secluded places less easily available to hunters. A search of rainfall records for Kerang yields no useful data to explain movements into the area, though the discovery of rainfall lack over more inland habitat probably would do so (Frith). This list of records over a 12-year period was compiled during a series of wanderings through the district in the ordinary course of spare-time bird watching, and is not in any way to be regarded as the result of a systematic survey. There were times when months elapsed without us seeing duck waters. It will, therefore, be conceded that had a serious survey been made it would have revealed many more Freckled Ducks in the district. Perhaps not larger flocks but almost certainly more flocks on a greater number of days and months. Frith's map shows a shaded area running the entire length of the Mid-Murray Riverina boundary, on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, to as far east as Yarrawonga, as being an area where "Freckled Ducks are found - at all times in most years". EXTENSION OF RANGE It would appear that we could add to this shaded area a bulge of 30 miles ( 48 km) westwards into Victoria, from Barham, on the Murray River, to Sandhill Lake, 15 miles (24 km) west of Kerang, thus embracing all the main waters of the north-west lakes system. It has been shown also (Lowe, Emu, 58: 1958) that this part of Victoria, in average seasons, carries an enormous number of ducks. In 1957, following the early morning shoot of the opening day for the shooting season, refrigeration stores in the town of Kerang held A resting flock of Freckled Duck on the open water of Cullens Lake. To be seen are the "dished" bill, and the comparatively large head with its peaked crown. Plate 40 Photo by Tom Lowe 12,000 ducks, and this number fell far short of the total shot for that opening morning. Hardhead, Aythya australis, Pink-eared Duck, Malacorhynchus membranaceus, Grey Teal, Anas gibberifrons, Black Duck, A. superciliosa, and Mountain Duck, Tadorna tador­ noides, are the most numerous, and in lesser numbers Blue-winged Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis, Wood-Duck, Chenonetta jubata, and Freckled Duck. There are a few only of Plumed Tree-Duck, Dendro­ cygna eytoni, and Chestnut Teal, Anas castanea, with two visita­ tions recorded of Whistling Tree-Duck, Dendrocygna arcuata, one flock of 13 staying on Bael Bael Lake for eight weeks and more in 1957, and a similar flock at Kerang in 1971. Though the area is small it is of great importance for the conser­ vation of ducks, and the Freckled Duck is a frequent occupant. They mix freely with all other species and their quiet composed disposi­ tion ranks with that of the Pink-eared. They seem at home on open water with no cover, and in this dis­ trict are reported infrequently from the vegetated waters. Even on Reedy Lake they appear to ignore the dense lignum and cumbungi section. The accompanying photograph, though depicting small images, is of interest for several reasons. It was taken before noon and shows a resting flock on the open water of Cullens Lake. The birds were earlier further out on the lake but, out of curiosity, had swum slowly in to investigate closely the observers who were standing on the shore. in full view, cameras in hand. It will be noted that they have reached the limit of their approach, having turned side on to the watchers. The comfortable posture of birds at ease is well shown; also to be seen are the "dished" bill and the comparatively large head with its peaked crown. On June 17, 1970, we took J. W. Wheeler to Reedy Lake to see a .flock of 145 Freckled Ducks, which had been on the lake fo r some weeks. We found five birds on the shore paddling in the shallows 178 LOWE [ Bird Watcher and the main flock of 140 birds roosting and asleep on an emergent strip of mud, 90 metres from the shore, in open water in plain view of passers-by. The time was 4 p.m. on a sunny afternoon. After studying the flock for several minutes it was with some difficulty and much waving and yelling that we induced them to fly. They then resettled after flying a mere 90 metres further on, to mix, in open water, with a flock of feeding Coots, Fulica atra. Talks with several local fishermen and shooters revealed that they rarely saw Freckled Ducks on Reedy Lake, but met with them on the more open waters. A further instance of this disregard for daytime cover was the flock on Cullens Lake described by Johnsgard. They were on open shore and water with Pink-ears and others, and had they wanted cover they had a nearby channel joined onto the lake, which was choked with cumbungi, while a mile upshore there was a cumbungi bed, which later provided nest sites for a score or more Black Swans, yet we have never found Freckled Duck in that reed-bed. When disturbed at daytime roosting with mixed flocks either Freckled or Pink-ears would be last to leave. Illustrating this and other patterns of behaviour was a flock of 80 Freckled Ducks. with a huge mixed flock on a mud-bank offshore, in Lake Tutchewop. We approached with the car to within 85 m. when the huge swarm of birds rose. The Freckled Ducks remained with the later birds, and when they finally left split into three groups and went different wavs. One group flew a loop over the lake and resettled on the mud-bank. and were rejoined by only a few small waders and Spur-winged Plover, Vanellus novaehollandiae. We studied them for 20 minutes until near sundown, the ducks meanwhile eyein!! w; with some concern. Three birds had some red colouring on the bills. The birds were the first to Jose patience and slid into the water in single file and began surface filter feeding. For some minutes the line was held unbroken with the leading bird settinf!' a varied pace. checking and moving and checking again. At each check the whole line would freeze and stare in our direction. The leader appeared to eye us nervously several times, at intervals displaying with a neck stretching, gaping performance and dab preening of its throat. Johnsgard. in discussing a like display. says "The display is pre­ ceded by forward neck stretching and gaping by one bird towards another, in what would appear to be hostile gesture". In our case the display was directed at us only and the birds were apprehensive. Such nervousness was somewhat unexpected from this species, at that distance, following a settling-down period. By contrast. and as an ex:amnle of a more usual composure, we were once within 40 m of Freckled and Pink-eared Ducks on the shore of Tutchewop. We had been able to edge the car so close as a fringe of small rushes hid our approach. In this case the ducks disdained flight and slid auietly out, mainly in pairs, Several pairs of Freckled were last to drift out and no retreat could have appeared June Freckled Duck in Victoria 179 1974 ] more unconcerned. They did not fly but at a distance of 30m took to dab feeding among the Pink-ears. One other occasion, February 7, 1969, when Freckled Ducks showed tameness was when we studied nine birds at water's edge on Cullens Lake. Brigadier H. R. Officer, a persistent pursuer of this species, noted two red bills and also remarked on how quiet were the birds. A week later at this spot, with Misses Helen Aston and Barbara Moore, we made notes on 100 Freckled Ducks, which flew out onto the lake from shore-roosting with a mixed flock of other birds, and within five minutes a large number of Freckleds elected to swim quietly back to the bank, mostly in single file. They cruised about the shore and finally settled comfortably with heads drawn back so far on the backs, as to bring the bill tips in almost vertical line with the breasts, a sure sign of composure that is typical of Freckleds. While this went on four of us were partially hidden behind tree-trunks 50 m back, but the ducks were aware of our presence. This apparent contentment on open waters contrasts with the description given by Frith of his Riverina Freckleds. If an explanation were sought I could suggest only that they cus­ tomarily roost in seclusion in their home-base habitat. but readily adapt when in fringe-range areas. However, reversal of a basic habit seems unlikely so can it be simply that, different flocks different habits? FEEDING More often than not we see Freckled Ducks feeding out on water with other ducks when they ag:pear to be picking about the surface. One notable case of up~ding was off the shore of Lake Tutchewop. My wife and I were motoring past and saw a flock of Freckled Ducks, so we cut the motor and free-wheeled down the lake-side slope, and stopped a mere 45 m from the birds. Eighty-one birds were in a fairly close-packed riband stretching out parallel with the shore, and every bird was upendine; with gusto and feeding avidly, and so engrossed in obtaining their food as to disregard us com­ pletely. They were spread as if concentrating in a band of water of suitable depth for upending. which I judged to be 45 to 50 em. Alongside the Freckleds. in slightly deeper water, were some Pink­ eared Ducks, all surface filter feeding. They appeared to be working only close to their neighbours, and it is possible that the bottoming Freckleds were stirring up material of interest to the Pink-ears. The water was breeze-ruffled, the time 1 p.m., July 26, 1970, the day sunny and warm. This exoerience, coupled with other daytime foraging we had seen, dispelled thoughts that we had held of Freckled Ducks being mainly nipM feeders, as implied by Frith. One account of these ducks feeding was related by a shooter who watched birds in quite deep water jumping at seed-heads of what he thought to be a kind of rush or reed , and this too. was near midday. LOWE, Freckled Duck in Victoria [ Bird Watcher

VOICE One incident of feeding at dusk was described by a shooter. He also stated that the birds came sweeping round the shore, and got badly shot up as they flew over the guns. They repeated the suicidal practice several times. This seemingly stupid procedure is reported occasionally by shooters, but only in relation to this one species of duck. This man also heard calls from individuals of this flock, and described them as something like a cow coughing. This is the only case I have come across of a loud positive call being heard in the field. Johnsgard describes calls heard by him and Tom Lowe as a "hissing rasping murmur", from a flock of Freckled Ducks on Cullens Lake. RED BILLS Red colouration of the bill has been recorded by us in the months of January, February, April, July and December, but though of interest, this colour phenomenon is no criterion of current breed­ ing. Frith has established that non-breeding birds develop it, and also that the red may be retained long after breeding has ended. I once stated that our records held no reference to red bills dur­ ing the Victorian shooting season, but I had overlooked one bird shot on Easter Day in April. BREEDING We have not found Freckled Ducks breeding, but a resident, Mr. Rod Charleston, a student of ducks and a nearby landowner, has vivid recollections of a season, many years ago, when the species bred in hundreds on an area of lignum, flooded by the Avoca River, alongside the historic homestead of Bael Bael Station, ten miles (16 km) west of Kerang, and 13 miles (21 km) from the Murray River. Though not having proved that they bred there in recent seasons they may have done so, for the spot is one that they favour, or, when the swamp is dry, the nearby Bael Bael Lake. When this lignum was flooded in 1965 we were intrigued by the behaviour of several pairs of Freckleds, which appeared likely to be nesting, but we did not prove it. Similarly Mr. Lloyd Pay, of Kerang, told us that once he was fairly sure that Freckled Ducks nested in Kerang's Cemetery Swamp. Dr. Frith mentions several nest record s which are outside the usual September to December period. To these can be added one furnished to us by Len Harvey, of Melton South, near , who recorded seven flappers and one adult on February 15, 1964, at Lake Wongan, in the Skipton area of south-western Victoria. Some of these were shot shortly afterwards in the current shooting season and were identified. Other records of his are as follows: Lake Wongan, 9 , November 1933; Parwon Swamp, 7 eggs, November 1954; Parwon Swamp, 8 young, three-quarter grown, December 12, 1964. These birds were being protected by the land- June ] COOPER, Abnormal Breeding of Waterfowl 181 1974 owner whose residence was near the site. All of these nests, it will be noted, were in south-west Victoria, a district mentioned by Frith as having furnished a few scattered records in the past.

Abnormal Breeding of Waterfowl By ROY P. COOPER, Melbourne. The bountiful rains of the winter and spring months of 1973, following the breaking of the very severe drought conditions of the early part of the year, have resulted in one of the most prolific breed­ ing seasons for birds, especially waterfowl, for many years. During September and October I travelled through the inland areas of Victoria and New South Wales, into southern Queensland, and everywhere the countryside was covered in luxuriant herbage. Rivers and lakes were full and many pools were established in areas that have previously been dry land for years. Waterbirds were on all wet areas, and most species of ducks, as well as other waterfowl, were to be seen with family parties of duck­ lings, varying from a few days old to half-grown youngsters. A few days after returning from Queensland I visited the Little Desert National Park, in western Victoria, staying at the nearby town of Kiata. The surrounding countryside reflected the wonderful season, and the rains had filled a small lake near the National Park so that it covered many times its normal area. Avocet, Recurvirostra novae­ hollandiae, White-headed Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, Red-kneed Dotterel, Charadrius cinctus, Black-fronted Dotterel, C. melanops, Black-tailed Native Hen, Tribonyx ventralis, and Spur-winged Plover, V anellus novaehollandiae were nesting around the periphery of this lake. Hoary-headed , poliocephalus, Freckled Duck, Stictonetta naevosa, Blue-billed Duck, Oxyum australis, , Biziura lobata, Pink-eared Duck, Malacorhynchus mem­ branaceus, White-eyed Duck, Aythya australis, Black Duck, Anas superciliosa, Grey Teal, A. gibberifrons, and many others had been, or were nesting in hollows, thickets or on the water. Some local observers were photographing Stilts and Dotterels on the shores of the lake, just above the waterline. On the day of our arrival Jack Rogan, from Maryborough, and I had a quick look around the park and at the lake, and we were amazed at the number and variety of birds that were present. Ranger Keith Hateley, whose name is synonymous with that of the Little Desert, gave us much valuable information on the breeding condi­ tions of the birds in the area. However, that evening it began to rain and by daylight the next morning two and a half inches of rain had fallen. The Western High­ way was cut by the flood waters in a number of places, and when we inspected the gravelled road into the Park it was seen to be under