Journal Staff
They might look like two ordinary ducks to most of us.
But to birders, the courtship of this improbable pair on Sarnia Bay has been a topic of considerable speculation this spring.
The bird on the left is a female mallard. The one on the right is a male wood duck.
They are different bird species, yet they have developed an inseparable bond over the past month in preparation for nesting season.
Local nature photographer Ronny D'Haene, who has followed their progress and provided this photo, said the brightly coloured wood duck has aggressively driven off all male mallards that showed an interest in his girlfriend.
Likewise, she has given a cold shoulder to every mallard suitor who has ventured near.
Surprisingly, this case of true love might even bear fruit. Though it’s rare, ducks of different species have been known to produce hybrid offspring.