Mandarin
The RSPB say there are 2,300 breeding pairs of Aix galericulata, the Mandarin Duck, in the UK. I’m very glad about that. Here’s why:
Aren’t they spectacular?
Here at Stover Country Park they nest in nest boxes up trees.
That means when the chicks are small they have to throw themselves out of the trees and to the ground. I’d love to see that happen. In the meantime I’m going to have to be content with watching the adults:
Photographing them from water level is definitely the way to go, although my clothes now smell of duck poo. Here’s a link to some of my other photographs of them.
Which is your favourite shot of them? I think this is probably mine:
The light had almost gone when I got this opportunity.
It’s been a pleasure to spend time with them.
Do you have them on a lake near you?