This is the male that was busy strutting it's stuff while I was taking lots of photos of it's very cooperative mate (see yesterdays photo). This was the best I could do with this one.
Eclipse plumage is found most notably amongst ducks. It replaces the breeding plumage after the breeding season and appears at a time when the main flight feathers are moulting.
Eclipse plumage tends to be much duller than normal plumage. For a while the males look similar to the females.
The male certainly looks rather moody and strutting his stuff -- Perhaps annoyed with his less colourful plumage !! Great shot --he does look annoyed !
@dizzyd I can't believe how very different he is to the female. She's so calm and serene and as you say he looks ready to fight, even though there wasn't another bird in sight, anywhere. Typical male!
@susiemc He's in winter plumage already .. short back and sides, that is! Hope your Mr. C is having a good day's fishing - we've been thinking of him and you.
October 5th, 2014
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
