Wife: I hear cocks crow.
Husband: It is not bright.

Wife: You may rise to see if it is dark. The morning star is twinkling.

Husband: I want to go out for a walk and shoot some ducks and wild geese.

This passage comes from the Book of Ballads in Book of Songs. Throughout the Book of Songs, wild ducks are mentioned many times. As they convey comfort and pleasure, they are used as a metaphor for a happy and harmonious life for young couples.

Garganeies are seen in Haizhu Wetland. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]

Today, there are many species of ducks in Haizhu Wetland now. The garganey is a small dabbling duck, slightly larger than a teal. They can be very secretive, preferring areas with lots of cover from aquatic plants. In May 2020, the white-browed duck appeared for the first time in Haizhu Wetland. They were photographed returning to Haizhu Lake in groups on Oct 19, 2021.

Spot-billed ducks in Haizhu Wetland. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]

Spot-billed ducks are cute and popular animals in Haizhu Wetland. They are mallard-sized, mainly grey ducks with a paler head and neck, as well as a black bill tipped bright yellow. Their wings are whitish with black flight feathers below, and they show a white-bordered green speculum and white tertials from above.