Dueling Drakes
Two mallard drakes were simultaneously attempting to mount an unwilling female mallard. A struggle ensued and the hen managed to escape and flew away. The drakes continued to fight and I continued to click as the drama unfolded. In this image one drake is trying to grab the neck of the other, and to my surprise he dragged him under the water and held him there. The second mallard freed himself but the battle continued. I thought they were going to duel to the death but eventually they called it a draw and flew off in opposite directions. I'd seen mallard fights before, but never any as violent as this one. She must've been a very special lady. Wildwood Park, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Dueling Drakes
Two mallard drakes were simultaneously attempting to mount an unwilling female mallard. A struggle ensued and the hen managed to escape and flew away. The drakes continued to fight and I continued to click as the drama unfolded. In this image one drake is trying to grab the neck of the other, and to my surprise he dragged him under the water and held him there. The second mallard freed himself but the battle continued. I thought they were going to duel to the death but eventually they called it a draw and flew off in opposite directions. I'd seen mallard fights before, but never any as violent as this one. She must've been a very special lady. Wildwood Park, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.