Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Far Eastern Exotic.

The colourful and exotic male Mandarin (Aix galericlata).   [ISO 800; F/9; 1/250 @ 300mm].


A species that breeds in East Asia and was initially introduced into the UK in the 18th century with the first feral breeding probably occurring in the 1930's but also found in a number of other European countries. It prefers ponds, lakes and rivers with fairly dense overhanging vegetation and can often be seen perched high in trees nearby.
 
His partner is much drabber in colour but still very distinctive with the 'spectacle' eye stripe ( not unlike their cousin, the American Wood Duck). [ISO 800; F/7.1; 1/400 @ 300mm].

For a previous post on this species on my main blog check this link ..... Magnificent Mandarin.
I am hoping that at least one pair will return to a pond on my local patch and successfully rear another brood this year although predation of the young tends to be rather high.  FAB.

Please click here for more WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY images hosted by Springman.
Posted by FAB at 17:56
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33 comments:

  1. Robin Robinson22 February 2011 at 18:05

    Absolutely smashing, Frank! How I envy you those two birds. WOW!

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  2. Unknown22 February 2011 at 18:20

    Wow Frank that's an exceptional shot of an exceptional bird. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  3. holdingmoments22 February 2011 at 18:31

    A cracking shot of the male Frank.

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  4. jo©o22 February 2011 at 19:03

    Absolute beauties, both of them.
    Frank, what is the difference then, between birders and twitchers?
    the BBC used the terms indiscriminately in their programme on birding the other day. I always thought it had something to do with waders or seabirds and the rest.
    Or is it the list followers?

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  5. mick22 February 2011 at 19:44

    Great photos. The male is such a spectacular bird.

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  6. Mary Howell Cromer22 February 2011 at 20:05

    Wow, wow Frank what a handsome duck!!! His gal is lovely too, but the colours the feather pattern, the eyes of this male...well done, very well done!!!

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  7. theconstantwalker22 February 2011 at 20:17

    A lovely image of a beautiful bird Frank. So sharp.

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  8. joo22 February 2011 at 21:45

    Lovely photos! Male Mandarin is so beautiful!

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  9. FAB22 February 2011 at 22:22

    Hi Robin. Yes, he certainly adds some colour to our dull, grey days.

    Thanks Gary.

    Cheers Keith. Nice to get close at last!

    Hi joco. Thank you. I think you have found the answer ... tick listers.

    Yes Mick, he sure is.

    Thanks very much Mary.

    Thanks Andrew.

    Hi joo. I totally agree.

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  10. eileeninmd22 February 2011 at 23:27

    Frank, the male mandarin is so pretty. Beautiful capture.

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  11. FAB22 February 2011 at 23:32

    Appreciate the compliment Eileen.

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  12. Bill S.22 February 2011 at 23:34

    Beautiful pictures. Years ago I raised some. They are lovely birds.

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  13. Dave23 February 2011 at 00:50

    Its a smashing species Frank. Of course the male takes the plaudits, however I have a soft spot for the female. On my local reservoirs in Macclesfield Forest we have a good population of Mandarins come early spring, however once the young ones are hatched the males scarper... not to be seen again. Last year 2 females brought up 9 chicks and 54 chicks respectivley and did a grand job too. My partner and I would sit alon g the reservoirs edge watching the chicks play while mothers kept a watchful eye on them.... super birds.

    Hopefully I willbe able to add to my image colletion soon, in the mean time you did a great job here with your great images, a pleasure to see them.

    Regards
    Dave

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  14. Hilke Breder23 February 2011 at 01:44

    Can hardly believe that bird in your first photo is for real! I must say the female of the species, pretty herself, has a discerning eye to pick such a spectacular mate. Shows birds do have an eye for beauty otherwise evolution wouldn't come up with such amazing creatures.

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  15. Dianne ... Walking In His Grace23 February 2011 at 03:01

    Stunning photos of these Beautiful birds. :)

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  16. Springman23 February 2011 at 03:29

    Great shots Frank! You really helped me to appreciate the female's subtle beauty with your incredible pictures. It must be wonderful to see these exotic creatures. Bravo!

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  17. Stewart M23 February 2011 at 07:07

    Very nice ducks - even if they are a little less than authentic UK species!

    Will post some more birds from Oz that you recognise over the next few weeks!

    Cheers Stewart M - Australia

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  18. FAB23 February 2011 at 09:13

    Thanks Bill. That sounds like an interesting acheivement.

    Hi Dave. Unfortunately my experience of local pairs is that the initial broods of 8 or so rarely survive full term but the mother is always very attentive keeping her remaining charges very close. I'll look forward to seeing how you get on with adding to your album this year. Cheers FAB.

    Hi Hilke. It is quite interesting to hear other peoples comments when they come across this species for the first time.

    Thank you Dianne.

    Thanks Springman.

    Cheers Stewart, I'll look forward to seeing what you have on offer.

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  19. Warren and Lisa Strobel23 February 2011 at 14:14

    Wow! Frank! I'm so glad I stopped at your blog this morning! Gorgeous pictures...a nice lift to hump day..

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  20. FAB23 February 2011 at 14:41

    Hi Warren & Lisa. I'm delighted this colourful species gave you a lift.

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  21. Pat23 February 2011 at 19:23

    Great shots of a lovely pair of Mandarins!

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  22. Sondra24 February 2011 at 01:14

    WOW its eye popping! Wish to see one of these guys!

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  23. NatureFootstep24 February 2011 at 15:51

    wow, stunning birds and stunning photography!

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  24. Pat Ulrich24 February 2011 at 16:45

    These are such lovely ducks -- really fantastic shots! I really like the head-on look of the top shot too!

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  25. FAB24 February 2011 at 20:46

    Thanks Pat. Appreciate your visit.

    Hi Sondra. I guess you'll have to travel then!!

    NatureFootstep. Cheers.

    Hi Pat (Ulrich). Sometimes a species makes life a little easier for the camera.

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  26. Kerri Farley2 March 2011 at 12:36

    Oh my ...... absolute beauty! WOW!

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  27. FAB2 March 2011 at 17:04

    Thank you Kerri.

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  28. Madalina Dascalu10 March 2011 at 18:17

    beautiful shots

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  29. FAB10 March 2011 at 21:25

    Thank you smalldot.

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  30. Coy Hill12 March 2011 at 23:09

    Wonderful photographs! As you say the female is very similar to our wood duck as is the male to some extent. Hope you luck on their return.

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  31. FAB12 March 2011 at 23:52

    Thanks Coy. In past years they have tended to reappear sometime this month so I'll be keeping my eyes open.

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  32. elvira pajarola23 March 2011 at 17:13

    SUBLIME....SUPERB MANDARIN.....

    Photographed in outstanding sharpness and sooooo clear......I am under its charm.......

    LOVE IT!!!!!!

    ciao ciao elvira

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  33. FAB23 March 2011 at 18:47

    Hi Elvira. I totally agree, it is a very charming species AND so so different from anything else over here.
    ciao ciao FAB.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I appreciate your comments.

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