Mandarin Heaven

An early arrival at Strid Woods before the hoards on Good Friday provided some good birding. All the expected summer migrants were showing fairly well however the stars of the show for me were this pair of Mandarins. I sat quietly for over half an hour and watched as they fed in the rapids before being disturbed by a dog and stick-throwing owner. I hadn't realised just how proficient the ducks were at feeding in the fast flowing water. Throughout the morning I saw Mandarins on at least 12 occasions however it was impossible to say how many birds were involved; this was the only female I saw though. Amazing how much the males looked like some kind of bizarre auk sp. when flying!