Mandarin Duck
Mandarin Duck / aix galericulata. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 11/04/20.
Not the best of images as it was taken in poor light one evening shortly after this pair arrived at a local lake. At this stage they were inseparable and the drake devoted all his attention towards the female.
Since then she has disappeared from the scene, leaving him to make amorous overtures to a female Mallard now! I'm not sure if the female Mandarin died, abandoned him and moved on, or is nesting somewhere nearby. It will be interesting to keep an eye on things.
Mandarin Duck
Mandarin Duck / aix galericulata. Straws Bridge, Derbyshire. 11/04/20.
Not the best of images as it was taken in poor light one evening shortly after this pair arrived at a local lake. At this stage they were inseparable and the drake devoted all his attention towards the female.
Since then she has disappeared from the scene, leaving him to make amorous overtures to a female Mallard now! I'm not sure if the female Mandarin died, abandoned him and moved on, or is nesting somewhere nearby. It will be interesting to keep an eye on things.