Common Goldeneye by Neil Hilton

 

Common Goldeneye, Killingworth, Northumberland (Neil Hilton).

 

One of the most charismatic of all duck species to visit our shores, Common Goldeneye is both a spectacular-looking nd entertaining bird. At this time of year, males can be found frenetically displaying to groups of females, a process that involves throwing their heads back while letting out a curious wee-weeeew call as other surrounding birds utter an almost cricket-like rattling noise.

Neil Hilton's terrific image above captures this impressive act in motion, conveying the excitement of the males and giving a snapshot of the forthcoming season, spring, which is now only just around the corner. Well done to Neil, who wins this Monday's Photo of the Week for this shot. 

 

Other notable images

 

Eurasian Curlew, Burntisland, Fife (Chris Hawes).

Greenshank, Rosscarbery, Cork (Richard Mills).

Dipper, Derby, Derbyshire (Mike Lane).

Barn Owl, undisclosed site, Dorset (Jeremy Mcclements).

Ferruginous Duck, Ballysaggart Lough, Tyrone (John Murphy).

Northern Goshawk, undisclosed site, Hampshire (Richard Jacobs).

Peregrine Falcon and Common Starlings, Gore Cross, Wiltshire (Mike Trew).

Short-eared Owl, Loch Leven, Perth & Kinross (Kenneth O'Keefe).

Red Grouse, undisclosed site, Antrim (Ian Dickey).

Great Tit, Studley, Warwickshire (Clive Daelman).

Kumlien's Gull, Newlyn, Cornwall (Martin Webb).

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greylake RSPB, Somerset & Bristol (Carl Bovis).