These are such common birds where I live that they are easy to overlook. Randy's image reminded me of this one that I took the other day when photographing cormorants. They really are quite beautiful birds in their own right.
I think they are very attractive birds, and like the subtle patterns of the feathers.
Good timing, sharp, well exposed. It is interesting, because as often as I have seen them in the water, I don't ever recall them actually mating, unlike mallards, which I have seen countless times!
Perhaps we will start a trend of appreciating some of our more common birds!
I prefer well done common bird images than so-so rare ones, so I am liking this one. The male's pose is almost swan-like with those swooping wings. I also like the interaction with the neck biting. I personally would ahave preferred abit less below and more above...strictly subjective though!