Mandarin Duck
Mandarin Duck / aix galericulata. Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire. 05/04/18.
The last Mandarin Duck image of this set for a while.
Made almost two years ago, this drake proved to be very obliging because he was completely preoccupied in pursuing a mate.
He protected her from a determined suitor, bathed and swam with her and performed ritualised courtship displays. I couldn't believe my luck at seeing such a range of behaviours so close, so clearly and for so long. I had real difficulty in restraining myself from hitting the shutter!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.
Mandarin Duck
Mandarin Duck / aix galericulata. Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire. 05/04/18.
The last Mandarin Duck image of this set for a while.
Made almost two years ago, this drake proved to be very obliging because he was completely preoccupied in pursuing a mate.
He protected her from a determined suitor, bathed and swam with her and performed ritualised courtship displays. I couldn't believe my luck at seeing such a range of behaviours so close, so clearly and for so long. I had real difficulty in restraining myself from hitting the shutter!
BEST VIEWED LARGE.