While on an end of October walk around Colonel Sam Smith Park in Etobicoke, I witnessed a fight. No one is likely to press charges, though, despite some thumping, crying and even biting.
At first these birds just seemed to be in a race.
Young Gadwall Picks a Fight in the Duck Pond at Colonel Sam Smith Park
The loud slapping noise these Gadwall were making made me stop and watch as they fought for several minutes in the duck pond. I’m used to seeing some aggression between rival male ducks in the spring but this seemed like the wrong time of year for such a violent display.
The attack began with a splash.
You could hear their wings slapping each other from metres away.
I’m not sure if there was some taunting going on or not but you can see it’s picking up speed again.
Apparently drowning your opponent is allowed–that’s a head peeking up underneath the charging duck’s bill.
Water was flying every where.
They don’t seem to know when to quit.
And just like that — it was over! I have no idea who won. This guy looks happy though.
Duck dynamics are difficult for me to discern.
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Have you seen any epic duck battles? Please share your views with a comment.