Ducks and Geese of the Virginia Tech Duck

Ducks and Geese of the Virginia Tech Duck Pond Rachel Blumberg Amanda Di Maso Ashleigh Murray Haley Willis

Introduction ØQuestion: How do the species of the duck pond interact with each other and amongst themselves? ØHypothesis: If the ducks and geese in the duck pond are observed in the same environment, then there will be negative interactions or avoidance between the species because geese are territorial and aggressive.

Materials and Methods Materials ØCamera ØPen and Paper Methods ØObserve the ducks and geese in the duck pond for an allotted time Ø Record all observations

Observations Ducks: ØGroups of pairs/bachelors ØSearched for food ØAggressive single males ØFeed, preen, sleep Ø Bachelors preened more ØEqual amounts of time on land water ØTravelled one behind the other

Duck Behavior Preening Feeding Sleeping Communication

Observations Cont… Geese: Ø Large group, very clustered Ø Breeding pairs Ø Slept more Ø Preened less Ø Aggressive single males Ø Shallow/open water Ø Fed when provided food

Goose Behavior Sleeping Feeding Communication Preening

Observations Cont… Interactions between Ducks and Geese ØNo negative Ø Swam freely Ø Geese ignored ducks Ø Ate without aggression

Number of Organisms 16 14 12 10 8 6 -Apr 6 10 -Apr 11 -Apr 4 2 0 Female Ducks Male Ducks Total Ducks Geese

Conclusions ØHypothesis was partially rejected ØNo negative behavior between species ØIgnored eachother