A lot of testosterone on the river today

The male mallards have certainly stepped into full breeding mode and as i was throwing them some scraps of bread (I know it is not very good for them but it does draw them in for a quick blip!) one male in particular attacked any duck that came near him or his female. This picture was taken as he was locked in battle with another male and they spun round and round in circles trying to establish dominance. One had to give in before he was drowned and the other flew after him at speed to make sure he was properly scared off.

It must use up a lot of their energy at this time of year. The females on the other hand appeared to just want a few crusts of bread and as easy life as they concentrated on maturing those developing eggs. Is that not always the way?