Duck-mates

I have walked past the Noorder Amstelkanaal several times this week and have been watching the activity of the birds and ducks on this section of the canal.

In October and November, mallard ducks select their mates for the spring. The couples stay very close to each other as they cruise the canal in pairs. Occasionally, the ducks gather together in groups. However, it is still obvious which ones are mated because of their behaviour and proximity. I saw a few tussles that usually started when one duck got just a little too close to another's mate.

Although mallards are migratory birds, they are tolerant to cold and will winter relatively far north. I am curious to see if they will stay for the winter.