At this time of the year male Hooded Merganser ducks (Lophodytes cucullatus) do all that they can to attract the attention of potential mates. They may go through elaborate displays or simply chase after the females, as the two males in this photo appeared to be doing. It is often hard to read the body language of birds, but both females seemed to be sending the clear message that they were not interested (or were playing hard to get).
It struck me that many human males go through similar gyrations in their efforts to attract the attention of females of the species, particularly on this day, when thoughts turn to romantic love.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It is a joy to see mergansers, and they’re a tricky species to photograph because they’re so skittish. Great photo, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. Happy Valentine’s Day! These Hooded Mergansers were out in the deep water, far from shore, so they were not quite as skittish as usual.
Love those punky haircuts! These are my favorite ducks.