A particular spring delight are the cinnamon teal that ring the ponds and lakes of the auto tour, the males bobbing their heads up and down and chattering as they impress the females. They are frequently near the road now so they are much more visible, all the more so given the absence of the large flocks of ducks. The mating displays aren’t all about impressing the ladies, but also to ward away rival suitors. An approaching male will join in the head bob dance and they will chatter at one another until the victor chases off his rival.
This male was displaying for a nearby female, the head is at its low point in the bob and he’s chattering softly to her. With his head fully raised, I couldn’t capture the top of his head and still keep his reflection in the frame. It’s times like this that I wish my 500mm lens could zoom back just a bit.
