You don't need to go to the ends of the Earth to see wonderful, charming, beautiful, and meaningful nature. This pair, part of a trio, was at EPCOT, catching 40 winks while the crowds parted and surged around them. (Of course the fact that they were in a waterway no one could reach helped contribute to their relative nonchalance.)
And yes, what you're seeing in the male is the "whites of his eye." He seemed to go through a cycle of having ordinary black duck-eye and then this white look. I suppose it may have to do with predatory deterrence. Don't know, but it was interesting to watch.
Taking comments today are we?
How about two?
Probably his third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. Sorry, not changeable eyes.
I am such a child, when I landed on the picture I thought Yay! Duck Butts!
Dear Therese,
You're probably correct, it's just that the effect was that of the rolling of a human eye--it appeared that the eye moved, not an eyelid--however, at a distance and even up close appearances can be deceiving, and your explanation is far more likely than my impression. Thanks.
shalom,
Steven