Teal behaviour

[Jersali]

Hi,
I watched a large number of teal today, whilst feeding they all adopted similar behaviour.
In a large pond with a number of small grassy islands not yet submerged.
The birds were apparently feeding on the grass, literally run to the water's edge 4 - 6 feet away, take a drink (I think) and then return and repeat the whole process
I watched probably 30 birds on different islands for more than an hour - all doing the same
Has anyone observed similar, is this some kind of courting ritual?

[aeshna5]

Not courtship behaviour. Sounds like fairly normal Teal feeding behaviour dabbling in the shallows- I often see this at the water's edge when i'm doing WeBS counts.

[Dogghound]

Agree with Aeshna its not courtship behaviour, this usually occurs in water (or flight) and is based on males flashing and fanning their plumage to the females. Sounds like they are just feeding and drinking.

[Jersali]

Thanks, not noticed it before, pretty normal then doh