Hey! ESM major who loves taking walks through the arboretum. I’ve found myself really interested in the ducks. I don’t know a ton about ducks specifically outside besides a couple videos and my general biology knowledge.
I’ve seen references to existing research that concludes there’s maybe too many ducks in the arboretum to support, but are there any current studies going on anyone knows about? Or any past research to direct me to?
I would LOVE to know if there’s any data recording the patronage of the ducks—there’s some interesting color variations that make me wonder if that black/white couple have adult offspring nearby or if one member of that couple mated outside.
Would also like know the breakdown of different species! It looks dominated by one but there’s some different looking ducks that really look like hybrids or other common species and I’m curious to know who/what.
Also looks like some groups stick to certain parts of the arboretum. Would love to know more about territory conflicts.
Here is a duck picture for your efforts.