Moorhen mayhem

[colincurry]

We were walking back into Cambridge along the Cam and approaching the railway bridge. My guv'nor was watching a trio of moorhens; and I hurried to get to the action. There was an almighty fracas and some brutal fighting - presumably over a moorlady.

I hope this sequence of shots captures the frenetic action. Sorry about the quality; against the light, in the dark under the bridge at times, and not enough time to play with camera settings:




















The technique seemed to be to lean back into the water and to lift the feet up to try and drive the opponent under water. You can see the yellow/green legs in some of the snaps. In between, the males (I assume - who else would be so stupid) swam around with their heads down and tails up in the air displaying the white panels on them.

The action was nasty, brutish and short. On several occasions, one bird seemed to disappear; but eventually there were the three swimming quietly around as though nothing had happened.

Colin

[ron1863]

Lovely action shots Colin, probably of a mating dispute

[Dutchess]

Aha! When I saw the thread title and who had posted I knew it would be worth a look!

Thanks for sharing Colin, a great sequence of shots....spring is in the air, to be sure

D.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by colincurry

.......I hope this sequence of shots captures the frenetic action......Colin

It certainly does Colin - well caught

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)

[Pete Collins]

You captured the action brilliantly Colin! Very well done, and thanks for sharing the photo sequence with us.

[colincurry]

Thank you for the comments.

I have just found out that it is the females who fight over males, rather than the usual way round.

I don't think that I am brave enough to make any further comment!

Colin