ML642792218

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Wow-worthy encounter with a pair in the tiny pond at the edge of the Ahmaogak St field, perhaps the last spot we’d expect to have STEI at this point in the season. Despite the hubbub of town and passing cars/atvs/motorcycles/etc, the pair rested peacefully on the shoreline and eventually hopped in the pond when they noriced us. With the light low and behind us, this was the perfect opportunity to secure some good STEI photos, but the evening became much more exciting when the pair began to copulate, which is a behavior that is rarely observed with this species. After the classic mounting, neck biting, and head dunking that is typical of most duck species, the male reared back twice, and then both ritually bathed next to one another. After 10-15 minutes, we felt that we’d bothered them too long and left them in peace. Hopefully they succeed in breeding this year!