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.

33 comments:

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

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

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  3. A cracking shot of the male Frank.

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  4. 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. Great photos. The male is such a spectacular bird.

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

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  8. Lovely photos! Male Mandarin is so beautiful!

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

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  11. Appreciate the compliment Eileen.

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

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  13. 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. 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. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. Hi Warren & Lisa. I'm delighted this colourful species gave you a lift.

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  20. Great shots of a lovely pair of Mandarins!

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

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  22. wow, stunning birds and stunning photography!

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

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  24. 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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  25. Oh my ...... absolute beauty! WOW!

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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. SUBLIME....SUPERB MANDARIN.....

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

    LOVE IT!!!!!!

    ciao ciao elvira

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  29. 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.