There's no privacy at Beaver Lake, and the Mallards know it :) So when I see them bobbing their heads up and down, I know what is coming next! Mallards have been going at it for a while now and the more I pay attention to them, the more intricate their rituals become.
First they start bobbing their heads up and down, then if she wants (and only if she wants), she lowers her head and the male climbs on board :) He then grabs her by the scruff of her neck with his bill for leverage, and does what nature intended :) Then he'll make a loud whistle sound and swim off in a circle, proud as can be! The female stays put and does a big wing flap and tail wag, followed by the male doing the same :)
The lighting for this video was not the best, but hopefully the sound and action will make up for it :) Finding a good still shot might be a challenge...
This naughty video was shot at Beaver Lake in Stanley Park, Vancouver BC, Canada.
Thanks for watching!