Mandarins on boating pond

[kas]

Look at these Beauties that are on the Thurso River and boating pond. They are 2 male Mandarin Ducks. I personally have my doubts about them being wild birds as they appear to be too tame, which would point to them having escaped from a domestic collection. However they are fantastic little ducks. There are also lots of cute mallard duckilings there, and they come very close if they think you have food.

[WeeBurd]

Thanks for the heads-up Kas, will take the WeeBurdies in sometime this week to see the ducklings!

[kas]

Weebird, they are worth going to see for yourself if you are like me and like the aww factor.

[karia]

Grand diversification...last time I saw these guys was at 'Grange over Sands' in the Lake District where there is a wonderful collection of fowls.

Much advised.

[Seabird]

Great pics and Fantastic sighting kas.
Might take a run over tomorrow for a look.
Seen them in books never thought i might see one in the wild.

Colin

[the_count]

great to see them wild or domesticated, i always think they look like they have been designed and drawn by a graphic designer, then coloured in by a 10 year old with a vivid imagination and a huge selection of colours to choose from. Fantastic shots Kas

Andy

[WeeBurd]

We took the girls today, and the Mandarins came straight over. They really are stunning birds. Unfortunately my pics are not nearly as good as Kas & Seabird's, I definitely need my tripod when out and about!

As for the ducklings, absolutely adoreable, scuttling about all over the place looking for mischief ...

Lazing on the island:




You've heard of a carpark, this is a duckpark:

[kas]

Fabulous photos and they are soo cute.
Cheers
Kas

[JamesMcVean]

I saw them sleeping on the Island next to the Boat shed about 5 mins ago...
I wondered if they were rare. Not much of a bird man but nice wee things nonetheless!!

James

[Kenn]

[Seabird]

Nice Picture Liz, i did hear they are quite common in Southern England have you a breeding pair.


weeburd pic is still showing 10 Mallard chicks i'm surprised so many have survived this long.
Last year i heard the Rooks took most if not all of them.
Nice one weeburd.

[Kenn]

This one appeared to be alone but we did spot a pair in a more secluded spot although because of where they were a good picture did not ensue.
As we have a WWT site in that area and also Arundel park I think they too are escapees but still a beautiful sight.

[grumpyhippo]

Just an update on WeeBurds wee birds (duckling pictures above)
They are much bigger and more 'duck' like but unfortunately only 3 seem to have survived till today. I suppose this is a normal attrition rate and thats why clutches are so big. If most survived we'd be knee deep in ducks.

[unicorn]

lets hope the council in all their wisdom don't drain the boating pond while the ducklings are in it as they have done in the past

[WeeBurd]

Awww, thank you for the update GH, we haven't had a chance to go see them recently due to hubby's shifts. It's a shame to hear there are so few left, but as Colin said, I'm sure the same thing happened last year too .