Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Dance Begins, Avocet Courtship at Radio Road Ponds -- Part 1

The dance begins - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

After dropping my wife off at SFO a few weeks ago, I decided to make a quick stop at Radio Road Ponds to see what birds were around before it started to rain again. I've already posted a few shots from this trip of handsome northern shoveler drakes and of the large group of American avocets that landed right in front of where I was sitting. The birds were starting to turn to their gorgeous summer colorations, and it was apparent that a few pairs had already selected a mate.

American avocet courtship - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

These two "love birds" spent time together on the outskirts of the flock. I was initially watching this pair just because they had moved closer to my position, but I was surprised and excited to see the female take her courtship pose. I had read about this interesting ritual and seen images of it before, but I had only previously seen it in person on one occasion, which was from quite a distance away. I was very lucky on this day to have a chance to witness this wonderful dance of nature from such a close distance.

Avocet courtship dance - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

After she presented her courtship pose, he spent a few minutes walking back and forth around her, seemingly getting closer to her with each pass.

Avocet peening to impress - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

He stopped to preen by her side on many occasions, perhaps doing his best to woo her with his looks, and demonstrate what a great choice she had made. The preening is apparently a very important part of the courtship ritual, and he seemed to go at it in quite a frenzied way at times.

American avocets in love - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

The mating display lasted only a few minutes in total, and I've included images of the second half of the dance in my next post.

This post is part of World Bird Wednesday -- click the link to view all of this week's submissions!

26 comments:

  1. These are beautiful shots! They are suppose to be here in Florida but I still haven't seen them yet. Nice series.

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  2. Very interesting Pat. I like how you've captured the birds watching each other and posing for each other.

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  3. they look great in that plumage. I have not seen that and am happy to see your great shots.

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  4. Gorgeous and interesting birds. :)

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  5. An excellent set!
    Those beaks sure are pointed. :)

    Carletta@Round The Bend

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  6. A perfect set of images. From a very impressed, thank you!

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  7. Beautiful series Pat. Far more colourful than our Pied version but just as endearing. FAB.

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  8. I love the images. I really am hooked on birds in the spring. A friend calls it bird porn.

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  9. Great photos of these beautiful birds and very exciting to see and photograph the courtship display.

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  10. It has been a bazillion years now, but I still remember the awe when we saw our first avocets (n the Klamath basin area, Oregon). We've seen more since --- often in your area... and I still think they are one of the most beautiful birds I've ever seen.

    Your pictures are just elegant -- beautiful just as these birds deserve. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Your Avocets are so different to ours in the UK.
    A stunning bird and beautiful images.

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  12. What a wonderful series showing the courtship of these lovely birds!

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  13. As always Pat your luck and skill becomes our great fortune to enjoy. Again we reach into the Rave Bag searching for new words to say, "Wow!"

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  14. What wonderful behavior to witness...Great photos--

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  15. Wow,what a series, Pat.Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  16. Great Idea Dude! I really got something new from your blog. You have taken photographs from same angel your positions are very selective and proper. Thank for sharing with us...

    Wildlife Photographer

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  17. Fabulous! Love how one can see how the bill is curved. Congrats.

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  18. I hope they're careful with those long point beaks!

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  19. You are such a tease Pat. Now we have to wait to see the rest of the courtship ritual? Seriously, fabulous photos of these two gorgeous birds doing what birds do best. Just beautiful!

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  20. Absolutely magnificent images of courtship behavior. Amazing series!

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  21. Absolutely smashing set of images! WOW! I envy you this whole experience and the photos. Incredible work

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  22. Thanks for your comments and kind words, everyone! I'm so glad I was able to witness this event and share it with all of you!

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