Watching Wood ducks last Saturday I knew that I would not photograph them floating instead I would try to capture their behavior.
It's easy to say than done. Most Wood ducks were in the water but a few were on icy little island interacting with each other, arguing, preening and just napping.
After watching Wood ducks for a long time I noticed that the females were often leading and the males were following. I wonder why?
The female Wood duck is sharing a space with the female Mallard duck while is flapping her wings.
Another couple is going slowly toward the water. Walking on ice isn't easy.
I learned recently that there are more males than females among ducks which creates a fierce competition among drakes for mate. Perhaps, the couples I photographed are paired early and secured their mates.
The male now will closely follow his mate and protect her from harassment from other males.
Generally, life is good!
Numerous males allow females to precede them, if we disregard chivalry, to keep an eye on them and protect themselves from male competition
ReplyDeleteTwo handsome soldiers marching.
ReplyDeleteУслада для глаз. Очень красивые
ReplyDeleteLos machos son aún más vistosos aún que las hembras. Son muy buenas las tomas.
ReplyDeleteBesos
Las hembras deben tener persuasivos argumentos para que los machos les sigan. La belleza de los machos no debe ir ligada a su inteligencia. Una bella serie.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo y cuidate.
Grandes tiros a los patos caminando sobre el hielo, Kaya. Bonitas imágenes.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.