Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Making A Big Flap


Ah, spring, the season of love. And in my header, it does look like true love, doesn't it? But take another look, all is not as it seems. Love is taking a back seat here while there is fighting to be done. These two male mallards are fighting for the female while she watches, slightly bored. Even more bored in the next picture, as she starts to primp while the fight continues. The male mallards are truly vicious in their mating fights, and though they both look dead in the next to last picture, they are not. They are just flattened from exhaustion. Awhile later, all three waddle off into the sunset, to continue to fight another day. And believe me when I tell you that they did, over and over.


"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.”
Matthew 5:9

32 comments:

Mary Bergfeld said...

I guess the heart has its reasons :-) Your photos always amaze me, Ginny. You really have an eye for photography. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Anonymous said...

Amazing sequence of pictures, Ginny. I agree with Mary, you really are talented. Enjoy the day.

SquirrelQueen said...

You really got these guys in action Ginny. The female does look very bored with the whole thing. I noticed a lot of fighting going on at the lake last time I was there.

Unknown said...

What great shots you got Ginny! Little did they know their little squabble would be on display for all the blogosphere! Isn't fun how God teaches us so much through His beautiful Creation?

Anonymous said...

Very cute and great captures of those ducks! Have a lovely day!

Ruth Hiebert said...

They really do get into this.I have seen some of this kind of action,but on the water.I like the verse you added to this post.Have a wonderful day.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

There may be some ducklings in the future...wonder which duck will win fathership?

Remington said...

So what you are saying is they are....wait for it....Angry Birds....ha ha!

Hootin Anni said...

Fabulous Ginny. What super 'action' photos of the fighting to the 'end' for domination. Just like going through a Nat'l Geographic Special for us today. But I got a kick out of the female "slightly bored" part.

And y'know that header you have is the best ever to come across blogland for 'love is in the air'.

Alice said...

What a scene! Great shots.

MadSnapper said...

cover Phils eyes while i say this. "silly men" LOL.... bet there was a lot of quacking goin on to. looks like telling secrets in the header shot. the squirrels are a doing the same old thing here and Bob is moaning, yet more squirrels to eat his avocados.

Chatty Crone said...

I am laughing so hard - I wondered in the header if they were kissing or fighting. So true what you said too Ginny.

Love, sandie

Nature Rambles said...

Wonderful story and pictures, Ginny. Loved each and every shot!

Anonymous said...

I love the new header and thats so true about the ducks, glad we humans don't carry on like that,, or do we?????

Anonymous said...

Ginny, I love Ducks....they are such awesome beautiful creatures....thank you for sharing these joys of life ....hope you are feeling better

From the Kitchen said...

Will you continue the soap opera as it unfolds? I think your little part of the country offers more than any t.v. programming!! Can't wait to see who wins the fair lady's hand.

Best,
Bonnie

Cheryl @ TFD said...

It is definitely a lovin' season. I see the birds and cats in action around here! I guess our uninvited kitty will be blessing us with little ones later on if we can't find a home for her. Love your photos, Ginny, and the header is terrific!

S. Etole said...

Your header is so sweet ... and then the rest of the story follows! What a great series of shots.

RoeH said...

Nature can be so cruel.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Some folks just can't allow themselves to be happy -grin-.

Anonymous said...

hi Ginny, its a brain injury thats robbing my vision as scar tissue grows, nothing we can control, skin growing!! I hope you have a super duper day!!

Rose said...

Love at its best!

Monica T. said...

Men, eh? ;-)

momto8 said...

ha..pretty interesting!! I would have liked to watch and see what happens.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I never saw the mating ritual of ducks, but I've seen pigeons do the same. I guess it is common in bird-land. I wonder which male the female chose as her mate?

Ann said...

men sure are silly no matter what species they are :)

Glenda said...

Love your header and title!

Karin said...

They sure can get vicious can't they! You took a great series of photos Ginny. I love the fact that she is totally bored with two males fighting over her!

Glad you're back on your blog!

Marie said...

these are fantastic pics Ginny! Males are so funny! Love how she is sitting there relaxing. :)
I just posted mallards on my blog. It's a couple that was visiting me. :)

Ann, Chen Jie Xue ι™ˆζ΄ι›ͺ said...

The kids didn't fly. They wore a harness and were hoisted up 8 metres. Then the team members slowly released the rope to let them come down I presume slowly.

Joanne said...

That lady duck is so lucky to have two guys fighting over her!
Blessings, Joanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, This behavior is universal and many waterfowl are behaving this way now. The ducks here as well as the geese are noisy and fighting over the girds. Have a great Saturday tomorrow!

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