The Centre of Attention

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Yesterday there was just a single pair of these ducks in the local harbour and the male was displaying to the female. Unfortunately, the light was poor and they were a little distant.

Much brighter today so I went back. Still just a lone female but NINE males! Three kept close to her whilst the other 6 hung back but followed. There was very little displaying going on as the alpha male was busy defending his mate. At one point when another ventured too close, he mounted a submarine attack. He dived and surfaces right under the other's tail as it took off and flew a short distance away.


I have put a couple of yesterday's displaying male on Flickr.

Doing a tobogganing impression

Giving her a flash!