The male Mandarin (Aix galericulata) has the most elaborate and ornate plumage with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks. The female is dull by comparison with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks. They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity. Here in the NW of England a few large colonys thrive on inland bodies of water, often in Country Parks.
These images are from my local park - Etherow cp
please click on the images to appreciate the finer detail within the pixels
please click on the images to appreciate the finer detail within the pixels
how many colours.....
just looking magnificant
in soft focus
preening in a tree
going for a stroll
mr & mrs
how cute are they.....
Stunning post Dave!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome to see!
ReplyDeleteOh those are absolutely stunning Dave. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteWow Dave!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series of shots! The first three in the water are exquisite in color and detail.
Gorgeous shots, Dave!
ReplyDeleteAmazing color on the male Mandarin. Great photo.
ReplyDeleteJust love the colours!!!You've captured them so beautifully.Thanks for sharing!Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteShantana
They are beautiful ducks. The colors are amazing, lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteTotally rainbowed! :)) Such a curious beautyies you found
ReplyDeletethese are glorious images. It is nice seeing them in the tree, or over in a cove, rather just out in the middle of the water. you got some marvelous images, thank you for sharing~
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Dave. Etherow is a great place for these.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Dave. Nature does not get anymore outrageous than this!
ReplyDeleteThese ducks I have only seen as trepans and could not believe my eyes. The male certainly is spectacular but the female, in her gentler colouring is beautiful in her own right as well.
ReplyDeleteAdorable picture from the land of nod . . .
Dave, what stunning photos! I'm very impressed. The Coal Miner is going to be so jealous! These are some of the nicest bird photos I've seen.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of these gorgeous ducks Dave! The Mandarin Duck reminds me a lot of their cousin the Wood Duck which also nests in tree cavities but is not quite as ornate as these beauties.
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly captured the beauty of the Mandarins!
ReplyDeletesuch lovely photos of a magnificent looking duck!
ReplyDeleteThes ducks really amaze me. Their colours and markings are gorgeous!!
ReplyDelete