Avocet Beak Cross after Mating

These two American Avocets were a couple, and were following each other around the shallow lake. Finally I got to see and photograph them mating, which for avocets, involves a whole ritual. First the female gives the signal that she's ready, by bending down low with her chin touching or in the water. She stays in that position while the male walks around her, preening himself a little, splashing some water on her, but otherwise seeming to ignore what she's doing. Then he jumps on her and mates. As soon as he jumps off, they do a beak cross, as in this photo, and then they often walk side by side for a short distance. Altogether very lovely and fascinating!