![]() I have spent quite a bit of time in various bird blinds this spring, watching and photographing waterfowl. On three separate occasions, I had the good fortune to enjoy a ring-side seat as Common Goldeneyes underwent their mating ritual. It was so interesting to observe! The male would first undergo some ritualized displays in front of the female, including stretching his neck in the air, flipping water with his beak and doing some big leg stretches. When she lowered her head into the water to signal her permission, he would rise up in the water, circle to her back, and climb aboard. Her head would be dipped below the surface for a few seconds, then she would resurface and they would twirl around for about 15 seconds during coitus. The deed done, he would then dismount and swim off, usually shaking his head. She would swim away and take a vigorous bath. These images are quite heavily cropped, which shows the sequence but has resulted in them being a bit grainy. Enjoy!
Lynette Braun
16/5/2021 07:00:11 am
This is fantastic. Your observations are so interesting. Thanks for all you continue do to bring awareness to our natural world Myrna.
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Sandi Koop
17/5/2021 11:34:16 am
This is so interesting, Myrna. I get a chuckle out of the "startled" look in their eyes. ;)
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Steve Shutt
25/3/2022 12:21:50 pm
Hi Myrna, I watched your Zoom talk on Wednesday evening for the Wild Bird Store and really enjoyed it.
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9/10/2022 12:52:05 pm
Walk into pick. We develop dinner.
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AuthorMyrna Pearman Archives
August 2022
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12/5/2021
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