View Full Version : Mandarins on boating pond
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.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f170/kasm/19408001.jpg
Thanks for the heads-up Kas, will take the WeeBurdies in sometime this week to see the ducklings!:)
Weebird, they are worth going to see for yourself if you are like me and like the aww factor.
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.:D
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
19-Apr-08, 23:53
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
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:
http://uk.geocities.com/w33burd/Birds/210408_021.jpg
You've heard of a carpark, this is a duckpark:
http://uk.geocities.com/w33burd/Birds/210408_032.jpg
Fabulous photos and they are soo cute.
Cheers
Kas:)
JamesMcVean
21-Apr-08, 19:56
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
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i316/kenliz/AMandarinduck.jpg
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.
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
10-May-08, 20:59
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.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/grumpyhippo/_DSC0042b.jpg
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 :roll:
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 :(.
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.