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mandarin duck


mandarin duck
Photo Information
Copyright: clint newsham (clint) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 40 W: 0 N: 238] (1355)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006
Categories: Birds
Camera: Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, Vivitar Series 1 100-400 1:4.5-6.5
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-01-10 16:38
Viewed: 1661
Points: 30
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata), or just Mandarin, is a medium-sized perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. It is 41-49 cm long with a 65-75 cm wingspan.

The adult male is a striking and unmistakable bird. It has a red bill, large white crescent above the eye and reddish face and "whiskers". The breast is purple with two vertical white bars, and the flanks ruddy, with two orange "sails" at the back. The female is similar to female Wood Duck, with a white eye-ring and stripe running back from the eye, but is paler below, has a small white flank stripe, and a pale tip to its bill.

Mandarin Ducks, which are referred to by the Chinese as Yin-Yang ducks, are frequently featured in Oriental art and are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity. A Chinese proverb for loving couples uses the Mandarin Duck as a metaphor: "Two swimming mandarin ducks". The Mandarin Duck symbol is also used in Chinese weddings, because in traditional Chinese lore they symbolize wedded bliss and fidelity. In reality, though, the ducks find new partners each year.

The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but it is now endangered because of large-scale exports and the destruction of its forest habitat. The populations in eastern Russia and in China are both probably well below 1,000 pairs, although Japan may have around 5,000 pairs.

Specimens frequently escape from collections, and in the 20th century a feral population numbering about 1,000 pairs was established in Great Britain. Although this is of great conservational significance, the birds are not protected in the UK since the species is not native there.

In the wild, Mandarin Ducks breed in densely wooded areas near shallow lakes, marshes or ponds. They nest in cavities in trees close to water. Shortly after the ducklings hatch, their mother flies to the ground and coaxes the ducklings to leap from the nest. The Asian populations are migratory, overwintering in lowland eastern China and southern Japan.

Mandarins feed by dabbling or walking on land. They mainly eat plants and seeds, especially beechmast. They feed mainly near dawn or dusk, perching in trees or on the ground during the day.

Mandarins may form small flocks in winter, but rarely associate with other ducks.

an old shot from last year, i love the colour and texture in the feathers of these birds.
i did do a portrait of just the ducks head but feel the manipulation on the shot was to much for me to put it on treknature, hope everyones had a good week, im sure ive missed lots of good shots.
RAP, lovenature, coasties, mikou, vanderschelden, marjan, glazzaro has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

hi clint!
A real close-up on a very
beautiful bird
great sharpness and very fine exposed

Hello Clint
The Mandarin Duck has so many vibrant colours. I like the pose and the mood is sets. Wonderful detail, lighting and compositon. There should be more of these beautiful and unique looking ducks around.
TFS Janice

Hi Clint

Stunning shot! I love these exotic ducks! I never knew they existed until I joined TN and then managed to track some down here in New Zealand. I got some great shots too. Well done. This is awesome!

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-01-10 22:56]

Hello Clint

Absolutely wonderful portrait of this duck.The DOF and POV are well handled.The details are razor sharp,and the colours are natural and well saturated.I like how the water almost glows around the duck.The little droplet on the end of the beak is an added bonus.TFS

Rob

I like the vignette effect you used here. It really showcases this magnificent bird. Perfect exposure and saturation.

TFS
Evelynn : )

  • Great 
  • mikou Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 863 W: 73 N: 1348] (5265)
  • [2007-01-11 2:20]

Hi Clint.
Excellent portrait of this duck.Splendid details and amazing colours.
Well done,really stunning picture.TFS.
Greetings Milos

  •      
  • Ghauri Silver Star Critiquer [C: 16 W: 0 N: 2] (174)
  • [2007-01-11 3:10]

Nice Colorful short.

Bonjour,
Magnifiquer portrait d'une netteté remarquable.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2470 W: 168 N: 7478] (23630)
  • [2007-01-11 5:46]

Hello Clint,
I love this beauty and you've captured him so well in this close-up showing excellent details and lovely colours. Really great profile against the dark background.
TFS, Ulla

Nice shot, Clint.
Very good sharpness and details...
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2352 W: 61 N: 3814] (12240)
  • [2007-01-11 6:02]

Hi Clint,
Great portrait! Colors, sharpness, contrast and focus is excellent. Bravo and TFS
Selen

hi clint, wondeful shot ofthis beautiful bird. Very cleare and sharp photo. Marjan

  • Great 
  • magal Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 227 W: 0 N: 314] (1241)
  • [2007-01-11 15:32]

Hi Clint,
This is beyond comment. Fantastic in all aspects - top notch quality.
TFS
Mark

Excellent lighting and detail, your exposure is on the money, nice camera work Clint!

Greg

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2007-01-11 16:12]

Otra presentación de alta calidad estética y técnica Clint con una maravillosa agudeza y colorido sobre el excelente fondo logrado.
A pesar de la compresión de la imagen, los detalles del plumaje y otros son realmente excepcionales, incluyendo la pequeña gota colgando del pico.
Gran control de la luz, sin sobre exposición alguna de las áreas blancas.
El esfumado oscuro del fondo es efecto del Post Procesado?
Felicitaciones por otra gran entrega.
Ricardo

Another presentation of high quality aesthetic and technical Clint with a wonderful sharpness and coloring on the excellent achieved bottom.
In spite of the compression of the image, the details of the plumage and others are really exceptional, including the small drop hanging of the beak.
Great control of the light, without any over exposure of the white areas.
The scumble dark of the bottom is effect of the Post Processed?
Congratulations for another great post.
Ricardo

smile tomorrow.

  • Great 
  • swinny (28)
  • [2007-01-13 14:28]

hi clint , its all been said brilliant

  •      
  • Debz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 582 W: 0 N: 866] (3283)
  • [2007-03-17 19:19]

Hi Clint, all of your photos are fabulous! This Mandarin Duck is and excellent close up with vibrant colours, clarity and sharpness, great dof.
tfs
debz
ran out of points...

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