While watching the gull roost on Hollingworth this afternoon my attention was caught by the behaviour of a female Goosander.At first I thought the bird was unwell, floating flat on the water for periods up to 3-4 minuets.There were some 18 0r so male Goosanders scattared about the lake among the ice flows.A pre selected male then began to head jerk. I have seen this manoeuvre before observed on Goldeneye and Teal.The male Goosander then copulated with the inviting female,then both birds head jurked and seemed to drink in unison. I know that this was an obvious pair, but has anybody observed this so early in the year?
While watching the gull roost on Hollingworth this afternoon my attention was caught by the behaviour of a female Goosander.At first I thought the bird was unwell, floating flat on the water for periods up to 3-4 minuets.There were some 18 0r so male Goosanders scattared about the lake among the ice flows.A pre selected male then began to head jerk. I have seen this manoeuvre before observed on Goldeneye and Teal.The male Goosander then copulated with the inviting female,then both birds head jurked and seemed to drink in unison. I know that this was an obvious pair, but has anybody observed this so early in the year?
naughty pair...
