Mandarin Duck.

Splash of Colour on the Waterway.

This is the Mandarin Duck that is living near where we are moored. He seems to be a singleton, though.

Introduced to the UK from China, these wild birds are escapees from captivity. This is the male. Like the Mallard, the male is attractively and brightly coloured. The female is drab by comparison.

We have been watching this little chap today. He seems to be residing in a nearby tree on the water. From time to time, he will come out for a bit of a swim. We have seen no evidence of a female with him.

However, our Mandarin Duck does seem to share this section of river quite happily with the Mallards, Geese, Coots and Moorhens.

I was able to capture this shot when he swam out past our boat. Cropping the image has allowed a good close-up and opportunity to study his plumage.

Photograph Details:

• Taken: 2 May 2017
• Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
• Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM
• Focal Length 200mm
• F/5.6
• 1/250 Sec
• ISO 200