Continued from Male Hooded Merganser Duo Showing Off
The second female toward the back got a little fancier with her tail action and the first one fluffed her crown up, showing a bit more interest.
The male-male competition got a little heated.
Then the female flattened herself, keeping her head under water for a bit, presumably to express interest in the males’ dance. I’d not seen this behavior before, and at one point wondered how long she could stay submerged.
They circled around her several times while the second female moved on.
Fabulous, Ellen! I think the mating behaviors of these mergansers are among the most fun to watch!
Thank you! It was quite an entertaining show, and I was quite pleased they kept rotating in the same area, rather than retreating to the far side of the pond.