Common Goldeneyes impress the ladies
March 20th, 2009
The goldeneyes on the Rideau are courting in earnest.
Goldeneye courtship generally means a small group of restless drakes swimming with one or two females. The males crane their necks, arch their necks, and occasionally, very suddenly (like a tic), pop their necks all the way back. That last maneuver is often followed by a "squeak-squeak" sound and a splash of water.
Meanwhile, the females mill around looking quite unimpressed by the whole affair. But they eventually choose their mates. The choice is made on the wintering grounds, with each pair migrating back to their breeding grounds together.
Last year, during which hundreds of them wintered on the Rideau, this was a downright extravaganza. I remember walking along the shore at dusk, the water speckled with rafts of ducks, and the air filled with delicate "squeak-squeak" sounds. I could barely see them, but I knew very well what they were up to. I called it the goldeneye nightclub.
It's less of an extravaganza this time but still fun to watch.
March 20th, 2009
The goldeneyes on the Rideau are courting in earnest.
Goldeneye courtship generally means a small group of restless drakes swimming with one or two females. The males crane their necks, arch their necks, and occasionally, very suddenly (like a tic), pop their necks all the way back. That last maneuver is often followed by a "squeak-squeak" sound and a splash of water.
Meanwhile, the females mill around looking quite unimpressed by the whole affair. But they eventually choose their mates. The choice is made on the wintering grounds, with each pair migrating back to their breeding grounds together.
Last year, during which hundreds of them wintered on the Rideau, this was a downright extravaganza. I remember walking along the shore at dusk, the water speckled with rafts of ducks, and the air filled with delicate "squeak-squeak" sounds. I could barely see them, but I knew very well what they were up to. I called it the goldeneye nightclub.
It's less of an extravaganza this time but still fun to watch.
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