Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach- Meet Another One of My Friends!
Meet the Black Bellied Whistling Duck! ... I first met this beautiful duck when we moved back to Florida. But now I don't have to see them to know they're around...... there's no mistaking their distinctive whistling sound as they fly over Green Cay.
While found year-round in parts of southeast Texas, we've been fortunate enough to see increasing numbers of them here in South Florida, and in particular Green Cay in Boynton Beach. You have only to luck up and see the white undermarkings of the wings, black belly and of course... that whistle!
I love how stately they stand, especially when guarding their wee ones. And, being monogamous, you'll see both mom and dad sharing in "nestly" chores. When babies are around, they will stand nearby, on the lookout for dangerous predators... alligators, raccoons, and larger birds!
While we often locate the nests of red winged black birds and moorhens, Whistling ducks are cavity nesters, so their nests are often in chimneys or hollowed trees.
They are one of my favorite birds I get to see on my morning walks at Green Cay.
On the left you can see the unusual markings of the babies.
Comments (26)Subscribe to CommentsComment