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Photo Information
Copyright: Manyee Desandies (manyee) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3068 W: 231 N: 6168] (21078)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-11-28
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-03-01 21:55
Viewed: 822
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This may be an unorthodox view, but I thought it showed a pattern that is not often seen... and it is amazing.

Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulata

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 are frequently featured in Oriental art and are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity.
It is also used in Chinese weddings, because in traditional Chinese lore, they symbolize wedded bliss and fidelity.
The species was once widespread in eastern Asia, but large-scale exports and the destruction of its forest habitat have reduced populations in eastern Russia and in China to below 1,000 pairs in each country; Japan, however, is thought to still hold some 5,000 pairs.
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.

This photo was taken at the Animal Park in San Diego.

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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3840 W: 190 N: 11430] (35227)
  • [2009-03-01 22:03]

Hello Manyee,
Great idea to take this view of a male Mandarin Duck. The effect of the colourful pattern of the plumage is as you say amazing.
Nice composition too.
TFS and have a good week,
Ivan

Hello Manyee,
Ths overhead POV gives us a wonderfful look at the variey of patterns and colours of this beautiful duck.
These are definitely my favourites.
An excellent image.
TFS & Cheers,
Steve

great angle, TFS Ori

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2009-03-02 16:35]

Manyee, Wow What a colorful fella. Superb view and I like the view. The top view shows the lovely colorful feather details. Perfect and fantastic shot. Thanks for sharing this beauty. Ganesh

  • Great 
  • Scott Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 224 W: 0 N: 316] (1540)
  • [2009-03-02 22:26]

Manyee,

You always bring home the photos, love the color and the presentation.

TFS
Scott

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 627 W: 0 N: 574] (3284)
  • [2009-03-06 3:46]

A beautiful picture, as otherwise all your pictures.
Congratulations and ... waiting and other pictures.
Adrian

Hi Manyee,
the well chosen point of view makes the Mandarina duck look like an object of art. A beautiful image, creatively see, decidedly well composed in its diagonal placement, perfectly reduced to the essence. I like its clearness, the intensity of colours, its iconical graphical power.
Thank you! With best regards,
Peter

Hello Manyee.

Excellent image, nice composition and colors.

Regards.
Jose Luis.

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2009-03-11 3:07]

Hello Manyee, these Mandarin Duck are just so beautiful and looking down on him like this shows us all his beautiful colours and patterns.
They don't look real - in fact I think the photos make them look like an exquisitely painted duck on a painting.
Brilliantly shot
Janice

Gorgeous capture of this beautiful Mandarin! DOF, focus and sharpness are superb! I like the POV as well! Nicely Done Manyee!

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2419 W: 94 N: 5591] (17778)
  • [2009-03-31 11:19]

Hello Manyee,
I overlooked this beautiful photo. Yes the colours are really amazing. Great patterns and sharpness. Very original POV and good composition.
Regards,
Peter

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