A little preening video :)
These gorgeous Maccoa (plus black-headed duck friend) are my current fluffy duckling fix. They are simply addictive to watch due to their little dumpy shape and deep set legs make preening a very entertaining spectacle indeed; especially in between the legs!
Stifftails need to come into contact with water from the very beginning of life so that their little preening gland is stimulated and allows them to waterproof their down. Their size and sheer fluffiness demands a lot of attention, and so you can see them regularly preening away for quite a large proportion of the day. I am amazed that they do not get fed up of it!
After 25 days or so little feather quills start to pop through in the most important places; their tummies! Protected from the water's chill by a layer of feathers and puppy fat, this hourly preening vigil can begin to slow.
But until then, fall in love with them here as I have done.
11/07/11 Kathy Valier: They certainly are vigorous preeners! It looks like the one in front keeps wanting to lift his leg and scratch with his foot, but doesn't have the coordination to stand on one leg. Thanks for the duckling fix!
