Mandarin Ducks

May 3rd, 2015

I have for some time wanted to photograph mandarin ducks in the wild, and last Friday opportunity came when least expected. The male duck arrived just after dawn landing on the water still shrouded in early morning mist. He later returned with the female to swim around in the bright sunlight. I was surprised at the contrast between the male in all his glory and his mate in very subdued colouring.