I remember how I was excited when I learned that a Mandarin Duck found its way to the Central Park, New York on October 10. These ducks are commonly found in China and Japan but not in the United States. Later I also learned that a Mandarin Duck has a relative. It's a Wood duck which is also a beautiful and unique bird. Yes, these ducks are relatives!
I photographed the Wood ducks at our local pond.
Mandarin duck in the Central Park, New York. Photograph is from Internet.
They are considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful waterfowl. That is subjective of course. I have a wonderful book dedicated to just these two species. Wood Duck is common around here, and I have seen Mandarin in Britain which now has the largest wild population in the world. I have never been able to find it in its historical habitats in Asia.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! They don't look real.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and innocent. Super fine images!
ReplyDeleteThe wood duck is especially colorful and gorgeous, no doubt about it. The supreme duck to me, however, is the drake mallard primarily because it, too, is beautiful and because it was considered the No. 1 prize among hunters when I was a boy. The curl feathers in the tail were highly sought as a "trophy" to wear in one's hunting cap. Whether folklore or fact, orange legs meant the mallard was a far northern one and the prize even more valuable. As I often say, I am glad I was a hunter as a boy and I am glad I no longer am one.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as I also often say, superb photography, Kaya ....
Hola Kaya, espectaculares fotografías. El pato es muy muy hermoso. Saludos.
ReplyDeleteI'm behind here, there and everywhere so I'm glad I got here to see these beauties!!! wow.
ReplyDeleteQue belleza de pato, Kaya, y que bien lo has fotografiado. Me gusta mucho la ultima foto , con ese enfoque-desenfoque tan bien resuelto.
ReplyDeleteSaludos.
Saludos.
Una magnífica serie sobre este pato que, sin tus aclaraciones, hubiera confundido con el mandarín.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo,
Unas imagenes de belleza especial. Me encanta su definicion y bello color
ReplyDeleteJa die Mandarin-Ente gibt es auch bei und wunderschöne Tiere klasse Bilder.
ReplyDeleteNoke