Whilst watching Avocets and chatting to RF at the weekend he mentioned he had observed the male walking alongside the female splashing her prior to mating. On the way back from Chevington I stopped to watch the birds further and an altercation between two pairs broke out with posturing and calling. This must have prompted one pair to renew their bond.
Firstly the male preened which I've always thought must be difficult with a upturned bill!
Then as predicted the male splashed the female using the side to side feeding motion and she adopted an inviting posture.
No further encouragemnet necessary the deed commenced.....
and when complete the two scurried away like guilty teenagers.
You can always spot a couple who have been "close" recently as they tend to walk together without holding hands - same in the bird life I suppose.
ReplyDeleteJohn
ps Dont think I was ever a "guilty teenager" but can't be positive as I cant remember back that far.