A good looking male.
The less colourful female.
Monday, 27 April 2015
Mandarin Duck
The area between Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall is a great little habitat, and at this time of year there is usually quite a lot to see. There were plenty of Chiffchaffs calling, my first Blackcap of the year, Grey Wagtail on the river and Herons on their nests. Then I spotted a duck on the river that I was hoping I would see, having not seen one for a while. The really colourful Mandarin Duck. It's not a native species and was introduced in the 20th century here, although the feral population seems to have established itself quite well. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I think its quite a nice duck to look at. A break from the norm.
That Mandarin drake is stunningly beautiful. We had a small flock in Albuquerque when we lived there, about 16 years ago, but they did not thrive and gradually all disappeared. No one was sure of their origin. They attempted to mate with Wood Ducks but I do not think any hybrids ever appeared.
ReplyDeleteomgoodness, these are just stunning!! not fair though, the boys get all the pretty colors!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Amazing color on the male duck - it almost looks as if it is painted on!
ReplyDeleteThese duck is a beauty! Amazing colors!
ReplyDeleteHello, gorgeous shots of the pretty Mandarin Duck! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty..Love the colors..Have a nice week..
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird!
ReplyDeleteHe's very handsome, but she's pretty too.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a lovely duck - beautiful colors and contrasts, great photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/04/french-corner-bakery.html
What a handsome duck. Birds really are a miracle of nature.
ReplyDeletethey're truly gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBeauties. Definitely an introduction that I enjoy seeing breeding on my local patch most years.
ReplyDeleteThey may not be a native but I always enjoy finding a Mandarin. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures. They are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteFabulous ducks and great shots.
ReplyDeleteOne word today Adam....WOW!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are a cracking looking duck - lets hope they don't end up in trouble like the Ruddy Duck.
ReplyDeleteAlmost as distinctive as my pelicans, but in a different way.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Beautiful ducks, I went to a few places to see a feral Maderin but never did find one.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Mandarin Ducks.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous duck!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, it 's so beautiful, Mandarin duck. Maybe he's on tour ;) ;). I have also photographed it here in Västerås , Sweden .
ReplyDeleteMandarin ducks are so gorgeous! I look look at them for ages and ages and ages. #aNoviceMumCommentLuv
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images!
ReplyDelete