Psilos Bird Photography |
Mandarin Duck A portrait of mating and Display |
Mid April at Martinmere and all birds have
only one thing on their minds. The males look stunning in their full
breeding plumages and the females are now fully receptive to their displays.
One display and mating that I was fortunate enough to watch was from
that of the Mandarin Duck. |
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In order to show the male that she is ready
for mating the female swims really low in the water with her head resting
on the surface. She swims around the male and then stops in front of
him letting him know that she is ready. |
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Finally mating takes place. Afterwards
the male will leave the female to tending to the nest and young. Some
females make an open nest in the open whilst others will use the nest
boxes provided. |
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