Ducks

Hi Claire, that does sound rather disturbing, and I've never seen anything like that before.  My reaction would be not to intervene as, however disturbing it is, it is part of nature.  Of course, others may have different views.

Hello Claire,

Are you sure the one drowning was a male? It is quite normal for gangs of unattached males to set upon a single female, all trying to "rape" her so to speak. I have seen it many times on our river this time of year. Sometimes, if the female has a mate, he will try to defend her and an unholy row happens. It is very upsetting to watch, but all part of nature.

Interesting, Linda, that does make some sense.

I reckon Linda is on the right track,mating among Mallards is quite a violent act.

I am 100% certain it was a male being attacked and then the group moved on to another male immediately after.  I do understand that mallards mating habits are violent anyway but never seen this kind of ganging up to kill another male.

No, that does seem odd, especially as they moved on to another afterwards.

It's not that unusual, male Mallards get very, very fired up at this time of year and will sometimes attempt to mate with other males and ducks of other species as well as female Mallards. Many females have gone off to nest by now but the males are still looking out for any last opportunities to mate before their hormones calm down and they begin to moult.

I saw a male Mallard trying to 'mate' with an old boot one time...

This is so interesting. I just saw the same thing, hence why I found this thread , in Cornwall. I saw three male ducks all trying to drown another male but getting on it and holding It down. Was very sad to watch.didnt know ducks did that too each other. Crazy males . Turns out they're all ruthless