gentoo2
Goldeneye Courtship Display 7 _4559
Drowning?
=========
From the hide beside Gaddon Loch at Birnie Local Nature Reserve, Fife: 02/02/2010.
A courtship display that culminated in a mating. Unusual in that it is too early in the year and also that this is not a breeding location for this species.
As soon as the male started displaying, the female lay prone along the surface of the water indicating her acceptance of him and her submission.
The drake puffed out his cheeks and erected his crest feathers.
1. Legs akimbo - looking like a clown
2. Sky-pointing
3. Head and crest erect
4. Clowning again - rear view. Female can be see prone.
5. Waving his wing - female still prone
6. Giving her a flash. Showing off his equipment (unfortunately, no external organs)
7. At the start of mating, the female is pushed under the water surface.
8. When she comes up for breath, he keeps a tight hold of her.
This is 7 of a series of 8
.
Goldeneye Courtship Display 7 _4559
Drowning?
=========
From the hide beside Gaddon Loch at Birnie Local Nature Reserve, Fife: 02/02/2010.
A courtship display that culminated in a mating. Unusual in that it is too early in the year and also that this is not a breeding location for this species.
As soon as the male started displaying, the female lay prone along the surface of the water indicating her acceptance of him and her submission.
The drake puffed out his cheeks and erected his crest feathers.
1. Legs akimbo - looking like a clown
2. Sky-pointing
3. Head and crest erect
4. Clowning again - rear view. Female can be see prone.
5. Waving his wing - female still prone
6. Giving her a flash. Showing off his equipment (unfortunately, no external organs)
7. At the start of mating, the female is pushed under the water surface.
8. When she comes up for breath, he keeps a tight hold of her.
This is 7 of a series of 8
.