Common Goldeneye Duck Dance

Two rivers deepening into one; less said, more meant... from Homecoming by Gwyneth Lewis 

One of my favourite local trails is in Settler's Fork Park at the confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers. Many settlements and cities around the world are situated at the fork of two or more rivers. The rivers would provide transportation in multiple directions when land travel was difficult. The water at this confluence seldom freezes over in the winter due to the force of combined currents and migratory birds feed in the open water during our coldest months. At any time of year, it is an excellent birding spot. 

I was contemplating the quote attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus which says,

"All things flow, nothing abides. You cannot step into the same river twice, for the waters are continually flowing on. Nothing is permanent except change."

It is true that every time I come to this place there is something different to see and something new to learn. I come without expectations but am never disappointed with my observations.

Masthead

A group of eight Common Goldeneye Ducks, four males and four females were swimming in the open water. These birds do not breed here but migrate from the north spending the winters in southern Ontario. They are diving ducks who go completely underwater and feed below the surface. In contrast, dabbling ducks, like Mallards, graze on underwater plants in shallow water and ponds and seldom dive. When diving ducks feed, they vanish and emerge a few metres away in a minute or less.

Head Throw Kick

This group of birds was not feeding but the males were behaving in an unusual way. They were alternately stretching their necks higher and or extending their necks abruptly so their heads were parallel to their tail feathers. These movements were done rapidly and were very comical to watch. I figured it had to be some kind of mating ritual dance.

All About Birds had the answer.

"In winter and early spring, male Common Goldeneyes perform a complex series of courtship displays that includes up to 14 moves with names like “masthead,” “bowsprit,” and “head throw kick,” in which the male bends his head back to touch his rump, then thrusts forward and kicks up water with his feet."

I definitely observed the Masthead and the Head Throw Kick through my binoculars. I wasn't near enough to be sure of any other moves as these birds are very skittish and fly off if you move toward them. From what I saw, none of the dull-plumaged females had dance moves and they were paying minimal attention to the flamboyant males.

I found this 50-second video on YouTube which shows the moves in live action. It made me laugh. In the video, one female makes one move and at the end, they dive as diving ducks do.

Other birds, newly arrived from the south included Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and American Robins. They made the air sound like spring. These very ordinary birds are harbingers of a new season and for that reason are most welcome!