Marina Scarr
04-25-2016, 10:00 PM
Spent much of last April concentrating on the Black-necked Stilts and their mating behavior. At the peak, we counted 34 stilts one evening in the pond. There was so much activity, it was tough to concentrate on 1 or 2 pairs.
During the mating ritual, the female assumes a submissive position (by lowering her head and neck) as the male begins posturing and half circling her from behind. They mutually agitate the water with their beaks, which is why you see the remnants of bubbles surrounding them. This can last a couple of minutes after which the male hops onto the female's back, fulling extending his wings. Once he gains his balance, he slowly lowers his wings and his body, positioning himself for the "cloacal kiss." This image was captured near the end of the mating session at the moment the pair touched cloacae and the transfer of sperm occurred. (The cloaca serve as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive and urinary tracts in birds, reptiles, amphibians and most fish. The cloaca has an opening for expelling its contents, and it serves as a depository for sperm in females.) When the females tail is pushed to the side and the male is pressed up against her at a slight angle as depicted here, the actual transfer is occurring. The finale of the ritual is the most stunning as they strut away together with their beaks crossed. You can see here that their beaks are nearly crossed as they are near dismount.
I realize I have not provided room for the birds' virtual legs, but the reflection is unattractive and it seemed important to showcase their eyes.
Canon 1D4, Canon 500L
F7.1, 1/2000sec, ISO 640, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head
Sitting on the ground
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful comments and critiques.
During the mating ritual, the female assumes a submissive position (by lowering her head and neck) as the male begins posturing and half circling her from behind. They mutually agitate the water with their beaks, which is why you see the remnants of bubbles surrounding them. This can last a couple of minutes after which the male hops onto the female's back, fulling extending his wings. Once he gains his balance, he slowly lowers his wings and his body, positioning himself for the "cloacal kiss." This image was captured near the end of the mating session at the moment the pair touched cloacae and the transfer of sperm occurred. (The cloaca serve as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive and urinary tracts in birds, reptiles, amphibians and most fish. The cloaca has an opening for expelling its contents, and it serves as a depository for sperm in females.) When the females tail is pushed to the side and the male is pressed up against her at a slight angle as depicted here, the actual transfer is occurring. The finale of the ritual is the most stunning as they strut away together with their beaks crossed. You can see here that their beaks are nearly crossed as they are near dismount.
I realize I have not provided room for the birds' virtual legs, but the reflection is unattractive and it seemed important to showcase their eyes.
Canon 1D4, Canon 500L
F7.1, 1/2000sec, ISO 640, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head
Sitting on the ground
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful comments and critiques.