Four images of male Hooded Mergansers. Note, these male Mergansers have been AWOL since early Spring, leaving the rearing of the young to the Moms. Only in the past few weeks have they come back to reacquaint themselves with the ladies. The eight males present are going all out now to impress three ladies under the watchful eye of some Ring-billed Gulls who remain nearby at all times, ready to steel any food caught and brought up by the Mergansers.

Top image: Two males hurrying to catch up to one of the females.


As they get close, one of the males starts to serenade the female.


Trying to project their best posture whilst pondering how best to impress the lady.


More serenading and posturing as they catch up to the lady. Note also the presence of a sleeping Lesser Scaup. The Gull is not far behind - just out of the frame.