“Why ducks in a park?” I often wonder. Here we are at Les Canards Statue. It is a delightful statue of ducks by Willy Vuilleumier. You will find it in Parc La Grange.
Les Canards is French for “The Ducks.” This charming artwork has been here since 1948. It adds a touch of whimsy to the park.
The statue depicts ducks. Ducks love Lake Geneva. You can see them strutting on the lake in all seasons. In winter, they are even more numerous.
Many duck species live around Lake Geneva. Some are residents. Others are migratory. Geneva’s Rade and other waterways offer a home to them. You can observe many duck species here. There are both surface ducks and diving ducks.
Winter is the best time to observe ducks in Geneva. The diversity and quantity of individuals is greater then. Other birds can be seen here. There are Great Cormorants and Great Crested Grebes. You might also spot Grey Herons, Common Coots and Black-headed Gulls.
One common duck is the Mallard. We often see it in summer and winter. It waddles along the banks searching for food. The male Mallard has beautiful features. Look for its blue mirror and curled black feathers.
Another species is the Tufted Duck. It is a black and white diving duck. Large groups of them rest on the lake. They often tuck their beaks under their wings. These ducks are active at night.
The Red-crested Pochard is another winter visitor. You can often see it in harbors. The male has a bright red bill and head. The female has a brown cap and dark grey beak.
Even the common Gadwall is exciting to watch. It has simple grey plumage. Look closely. You’ll see varied patterns. There are lines on its flanks and brown feathers on its back. A white mirror hides under its wings.
Les Canards statue reminds us of these beautiful birds. It also reminds us of the importance of protecting them. The Rade de Genève is a Ramsar site. This means it is a wetland of international importance for birds.
Take a moment to appreciate Les Canards. Think about the real ducks that grace our lake. Consider the beauty and diversity of wildlife around us.