Dabbling mallards stick their tails in the air as
their bills sweep the shallows for things to eat.
Waterfowl adopt one of two different foraging techniques: diving or dabbling.
Divers, such as loons, grebes, mergansers, might be seen anywhere on the Lake, but are often found far from shore.
Dabblers, such as mallards, geese, and swans, generally forage in the shallows close to shore so their bills can sweep the bottom for things to eat. Little pits are left where the bills have probed. These pits are revealed during the low water of late winter and early spring.
Dabble pits are revealed during low water.
I just love the way you investigate these things Alistair. I’d probably just study them and wonder but not actively seek the answer. Thank you again.
You make it clear and interesting, Alistair. You so inform the eye in this viewed world, ever enhancing the experience. Thank you, it’s invaluable