American Wigeons - courtship flights at Garretson Pond


Wigeons are seasonally monogamous and the female chooses her mate during January and February. I photographed what some call a courtship flight of the female swirling around the pond with three males in pursuit.

If you go with this explanation, she may be testing their flying prowess. I speculate about other explanations in the photo's description. Can someone provide a definitive answer? 

Irregardless, it's a great behavior to witness. 

Garretson Pond, MLK Regional Shoreline Park, Oakland, CA 

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