Bird Behavior in spring: Mallards and Geese

Female aerial chase by two male Mallards. Photo Arlene Koziol

Arlene Koziol spends many days documenting behavior of birds and water fowl. She reports: "When I watch the behavior of a common bird such as the Mallard duck, it becomes a new and exciting bird to me. Their social displays are happening in most of the ponds and lakeshores in Madison. In fact, as soon as I get out my door I am always aware of bird behavior. Now in my backyard, Black-capped chickadees are building a nest in our bluebird house and driving off intruders. Fascinating bird behavior can happen anywhere!​" In the words of Paul Williams, Arlene provides us "with eyes and insight when [we] have to be other places." Enjoy the entire sequence of two male mallards in hot pursuit of one female.  Arlene's Flickr site.

Spring also presents us with uplifting, peaceful displays of caring social interactions. On a recent cold morning, Jeff Koziol captured this scene along the lakeshore: A mama Canadian goose providing shelter for its little Gosling. She covers the Gosling with her spacious wing, her head turned toward her offspring, and the Gosling, already somewhat protected with down and feathers when hatching, snuggles into the warm goose down of its mama.  

Gosling finds shelter. Photo Jeff Koziol