male mallards in flight

I remember how happy I was this time last year when the pair of mallards first arrived and, as they did one day this week, paddled around the shoreline where the ice had melted. For me their appearance has become the initial sign of spring’s beginning.

Yesterday, a contest was underway as I walked around the pond. Two male mallards chased one another, I’m presuming to win the attention of the single female pictured here, contentedly ignoring the commotion in the air above her.

Since the two males were indistinguishable to me, I can’t tell which of them was the aggressor nor which won the rivalry. Each male bird was composed and silent in his communication. They would stand near each other on the ice or paddle side by side in the water. By a signal invisible to me, a chase would spontaneously occur.

Above, the mallard at the top of the picture seemed to corner the other mallard along the shore. The bird closer to the shore appeared to ignore the other’s presence until, in the blink of an eye (as shown below), it took off into flight.

The birds would fly at a remarkable speed, arcing and diving in precise formation, one pursuing the other.

The pictures above show the beautiful markings and color of these birds. (Click on the photos to enlarge, then use the back arrow to return to the post.) And below, the speed of the bird might be hinted at.

These pictures show the bird in its early spring habitat of bare branches, pines, pond water and ice.

I consider it a sign of good luck that I captured so early in the season, what I call a ‘wing and a prayer’ shot. The birds passed over my head at warp speed. Without much conscious thought, I aimed the camera straight overhead and, click — here’s what I caught!

When all was said and done, here’s the two-some that made a pair.

And here’s the odd man out.

Tag: male mallards in flight

Mating Season