Mandarin Ducks

I went with some friends to look for kingfishers but instead we found a group of wild mandarin ducks. Originally from China, these ducks have now become established in the wild. The male has wonderful plumage, with orange feathers each side of the face and feathers sticking up like sails at the back.

We were not blessed with strong light but, as the sun went down, the warm colour of the light really brought out the beauty of the birds. There were several pairs and I am sure that we will be going back to visit again.