Mallard Mates - (enlarge)

Hi, Gail! Finally, spring is here.... Nice picture of a great Nature's moment! Great composition and clarity. Warm regards, Tamara

Every year a Female Mallard comes back to our neighbors

Swimming Pool with a new mate and the 'Ritual' begins. Normally

there is no ice left in the pool but this year because of the very cold

Winter, things were a bit different. Yesterday when they arrived at

their 'Resort', the Pool was all ice. They did not seem very happy at

all. But thanks to our temperature of 21 C. today, the ice began to

melt and they were very happy frolicking about, looking for food

under the water, and occasionally just acting like 'young lovers'. It

usually takes a few weeks before they mate. While I know Male

Mallards can be quite mean after the eggs are hatched, last year I

was very alarmed that the male of 2013 really got vicious while

mating and repeatedly grabbed the neck of the female and was

forcing her head under water. It got to the point where I thought he

was going to drown her. This is probably normal, but I could not

handle it and called my husband to assist her. How 'dumb' was that?

He just looked at me as if I was crazed!! Being a retired Police

Officer, he just said, "I don't get in the middle of any kind of

DOMESTIC anymore!" So, I just went into the house and tried not to

think of the 'Mating Fiasco' next door. :-0 !! (many thanks for any

visits and input. I've not been able to get many Bird shots yet. I'm

trying out my new EF 200mm f/2.8L USM that I got last year :)Gail)

I've taken some walks by a nearby lake and scene the ducks return (swans too), swimming in small puddles and amongst the ice.  Here, the pair seems to draw together for comfort.  The green is spectacular on the male.  I love that little leaf you caught too -- sort of the whole passage of time thing

Many thanks Tamara, yes wasn't it lovely today. Right now a bad thunderstorm is rolling in and I think I may have to sign off for a bit till it passes. It probably was warmer in Toronto for you!! :) Gail

 

Gail, a very nice nature photo.  Hard to believe there is ice in the swimming pool, but then I am a Texas boy and our temps are already reaching 80+ degrees F.  Looking forward to seeing more bird pics from you and that f/2.8 lens.  

Good thing she got rid off that bully from last year, good for her...

This cute kid looks like going to be more gentle he is allready in the protecting position...

Great shot as usual from you.

Too bad it will be covered with ice again by the morning.

Are you going to shot the orange moon tonight?

Also sorry for my spelling on the other day " i meant: she is not fond of instead of: found of...

Hope you like your new " toy ".

My best.

Andy

LOL,  .. Mallard mating can be .. brutal but he needs to make sure the Cloacal Kiss is done properly.  TFS!

'Cloacal' Kiss, ahh you know I had to look that one up on the Internet :-0 !!! I LEARN SOMEHTING NEW EVERYDAY here on PN :) thanks so much for your visit Tim.

Hey no worries re spelling etc. I hope this one is a 'gentleman'. We have new neighbors in that house, and she very excitedly told my husband "guess what I have in my pool!!!' He of course told her the History of the 'antics' that have gone on in that pool for the last 3 or so years. I printed out a copy for her so she could show her friends when they come to visit over the summer. I've seen Male Mallards go after Females with their young quite often. I don't know if they are after the young or just want to 'do the dance' again???  The Mom's always seem to get the 'young'ins' to safety. I don't know about the Moon tonight, it is very cloudy overhead here, sure was windy today. Yet the temps were above 60F. Thanks for your visit Andy, I will be over to visit soon, I hope you get a capture of the moon tonight!!!

Yeh, there is still ice, it is going to go from 24 C to 1 C tonight. The ice will return, they have spoke of possibly snow, who knows!!! Glad to hear you are still enjoying really warm weather as you enjoy. This is an odd year that is for sure. But we can't really complain too much. The Maritimes has been hit so hard this year. I am enjoying that lens, but have much to learn. It is one that Mike Palermiti suggested I buy. Last year I tried to use my 55-250 EFS and I could not get any decent detail at all. This prime lens once I learn to handhold it steadier, should really help. Many thanks for always taking an interest in what I am doing Bill.

Hi Donna, It is a bit odd, or maybe just the way things are, the Male always stays close to the female, tends to protect her, last year there was another Male that tried to enter the pool and there was a big 'fight' between the two. I think the Males are protective and caring, working their way up to the actual coupling. Then that's were the relationship tends to fall apart :) Sound familiar??? (we all, with both sexes have experienced that I think). But it is nice to see them while they are getting along. They sure surprise me with their antics. I love Swans, they are so regal and beautiful. I have not seen any swans yet. It is so good to hear from you Donna. Have an email to send you later.

wishing you the best always, Gail

A beautiful shot with very nice lighting and details, Gail!

 

I like this image especially for the story behind this photo, good the colors and the details of the plumage, ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Gail,

 Great color and clarity. You've captured these ducks at their most resilient, in the ice no less. I'm glad to see the cold and ice gone. Take care.

Best Always,

Holger

It is so good to hear from you. I imagine, like us you have had some warm days, you would have had more than us, being a bit further South. Today we woke up to snow :( and it was quite cold. When Jim walked the dog, he was very sorry he forgot his scarf to cover his mouth with, he said the cold wind seemed to go right into his lungs. It should be getting warmer soon, I hope!

Best regards and many thanks for your visit Holger!!! cheers for now, Gail

...

many thanks for your visit!! I will be able to practice my handholding skills for a few weeks yet, that is if the ducks take the usual few weeks for their Courtship. However, today, we had snow, it was very cold and windy. The ice was all gone in the pool though, but no sign of the Ducks. I think they had found a warmer place to be. Then again, there is another pool a few doors over, perhaps they are seeing which is their 'perfect fit'!!

As always, a gorgeous blend of sharp detail, crisp colours, great setting and composition - one can literally feel the warmth and the cold simultaneously.

Lovely shot Gail, looks like you are having quite a winter there. I don't get much time on PN anymore because of work. The tigers are fighting. 

many thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to drop by. I imagine you are quite busy....I take shots of the ducks in the neighbors pool while you are dealing with 'fighting tigers'!!!