The courtship displays of mallard ducks don`t get an X-rating, said Carl Strang, naturalist for the Du Page County Forest Preserve. In fact, their elaborate rituals are family fare, as explained in a free program from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Graue Mill and Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook.
The male tries to attract the female by performing complicated moves called ”grunt whistle, nod swimming, down up, head up or tail up,” said Strang. ”They`re unusual behaviors, odd things you wouldn`t expect a duck to do.”
The female also incites the male to attack another male by moving her bill in a certain way. If his moves are slick enough, he may win the prize of spending the winter with her and consummation in spring.
To make a reservation for the program, call 790-4900, ext. 243.
For those who can`t make it but still want to observe the courting rituals, listen for a high-pitched chorus of whistles near a pond. It`s probably a group of male ducks performing for their spring reward. The females keep the males on their toes all winter, said Strang, testing them right up to the end.
”Even though a bonding is made now for winter, the female still may dump him in the spring,” he said.
