We had a stroll around the National Trust's Longshaw Estate on a chilly January morning. At least for once, it wasn't raining. We wanted to see the Mandarin ducks again on the estate pond.
When we arrived, we found the males fighting over the females. It's that time of year again!
You wouldn't think something so beautiful had it in them. It was odd seeing this side to them.
Mandarin ducks were a symbol of lasting love in ancient China. In reality, the male only stays with the female until the chick's are born. Next season, they will couple up with a different female. Source
After a few spats, calm was restored on the pond.
Here, there's miles of countryside walks on the trails, ponds, wildlife to see, a cafe, and a visitor centre that all makes an interesting day out.
Wow, I have never seen such ducks, they are gorgeous...
Yes, they are a lovely looking bird.
Awesome photos! When the hormones start raging... it's battle time! :)
Thank you. They think Spring is in the air but we might have snow soon.
Thank you @ackhoo and @qurator. ❤️ ❤️
They are really very nice those ducks. My favorite photo is the last one, when everything is calm.
Yes, not good to fight.
Wow - those ducks look lovely ! I've never seen one in real life - just pictures.
Great pics !
Thank you. They do seem out of place here with their exotic colouring.
This is a great record of how life goes on in such a natural environment. The photos are very good and mainly because they are of action.
Have a good day ;)
Thank you @nanixxx.