Splashing Duck

Boys will be boys. In this picture a male Mallard may well be splashing (what I believe to be) a male Common Merganser. These are our 2 most frequently seen green-headed ducks (though they're not closely related).

Though it might look a little obnoxious, this is frequently a way for ducks to clean their feathers, though apparently males will also do it to attract the attention of females. It's unclear whether female ducks find this attractive, but it is at least attention-getting.

March 16, 2023 at the Raritan Water Power Canal
Photo 267710089, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

This Canada Goose was also having a splashing good time that same day.
March 16, 2023 at the Raritan Water Power Canal
Photo 267709364, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)




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