As has Marc Hoffman, I've observed and photographed the male Hooded Merganser and female Wood Duck at the arboretum inner pond, always together, as recently as yesterday (2/12). There is also almost always a male wood duck present, however, and the female may perfer the male Wood Duck, but the Hoody is much more aggressive and sometimes displaces the male on perches, etc. This threesome has been together in the arb the last two winters. Yesterday the Hoody was displaying a lot - arching back, impossibly stretching his neck, flaring his hood, and also making gurgling sounds. Sometimes he was showing off for the female, sometimes directing his displays at no duck in particular. Mostly the male Wood Duck floated passively on the water while this was going on. Maybe he knows he's so good-looking he needs no other aggrandizing.

Gary

Gary Luhm Photography
Specializing in sea kayaking, kayak surfing, birding, mountain scenics,
tidepools
e-mail: gluhm at garyluhm.net
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