At the Four Mile Beach Lagoon.
Katherine and I were walking on the Wilder Ranch Coastal Bluffs trail recently. It was an overcast day and we weren’t seeing too many birds. I suggested we walk to the lagoon at Four Mile Beach. “Maybe we’ll see some herons,” I said.
We arrived at the beach and saw gulls sitting and flying and swimming.
Gulls at the beach. No surprise there.
While Katherine walked on ahead, I paused to take pictures of the Mallards. Several of the males had grown bright new feathers while a few were still in that embarrassing in-between phase between eclipse and breeding plumages.
The Mallards were surprisingly active. I watched one in particular as he jumped up to display over and over again.
(Click on an image to see a larger view.)
I watched this Mallard for several minutes until some splashing out of my viewfinder caught my attention. I turned and saw…Duck Drama!
It started with a “hard look” between two Mallards.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.kathyhawksbirdandphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WR4M-8184.jpg?resize=920%2C482&ssl=1)
Some shoving ensues. Nothing serious. Just testing each other’s resolve.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.kathyhawksbirdandphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WR4M-8185.jpg?resize=920%2C540&ssl=1)
Then one of two things happens. Either both parties back off and say, “Next time, bring friends!” or….
IT’S ON!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.kathyhawksbirdandphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WR4M-8188.jpg?resize=920%2C614&ssl=1)
It may stop after just a few punches…just enough for each to “save face.” Or…
NOT!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.kathyhawksbirdandphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WR4M-8189.jpg?resize=920%2C614&ssl=1)
By this time, we soon find out who’s been doing their cardio as one…
RUNS AWAY!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.kathyhawksbirdandphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/WR4M-8192.jpg?resize=920%2C614&ssl=1)
Wow! I would have thought that after breeding season, things would calm down.
I would have been wrong!
(Did you notice the Mallard couple trying not to watch as they swam by? They couldn’t take their eyes away, though.)
I realized I’d been hanging with the Mallards for quite a while. I looked around and saw Katherine near the main part of the lagoon. She saw me and put her fingers to her lips. Shhhhh.
Katherine must see something fun and exciting. I hurried over to her as quietly as possible.
To be continued…