Mallard Matrimony

Mid-week, and quiet reigns on Hideaway Pond. About what one would expect near the end of the migration season. A solitary mallard splashed down yesterday morning. It quietly settled in the high grass at the back of the pond. Brief respite from a long flight begun at some far distant point in the south. It apparently continued to hear the ever insistent siren song of the north. It later took off, buzzed the porch and set a course northward. Two geese arrived in late afternoon, accompanied by their usual noisy fanfare. A contrast to soft warm hues of the quiet sunset that followed.

Things were totally different two days earlier. A pair of mallards and four wood ducks were already grazing on the pond edge vegetation when we opened the porch for the day. Three more mallards, two males and a female, arrived in the afternoon. This pastoral scene was noisily interrupted when two of the male mallards suddenly decided to compete for the amorous charms of one of the females. Raucous warfare ensued with the reluctant bride being pursued on land, air and sea. Three geese then flew in and joined in the fray. One of the male mallards finally won the prize as the frantic day came to an end. Having no interest in the honeymoon, we adjourned for the day. As did the wood ducks, who were totally embarrassed by such avian behavior. The entire wedding party was gone in the morning. Just as well. Who wants to have breakfast with a flock of hung over birds? Besides, as many know, geese are not at all well potty trained. Best wishes to the happy new couple.