I did have different plans for my offering to World Bird Wednesday but I make no apology for posting more images of a species that is held in high esteem by both the Japanese and Chinese as a symbol of marital fidelity and happiness.
So as my tribute to all the people in Japan, whatever their nationality, currently experiencing the aftermath of the recent devastating events and undergoing such upheaval, loss of friends, loved ones etc., here are a few more recent frame filling images of their beloved Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata).
Cracking shots and lovely sentiments.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and those images are just amazing. Exquisitely beautiful bird. Love that middle shot with the reflection.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird and lovely sentiment. A nice post Frank
ReplyDeleteI can see why they hold these beauties in high esteem...they are a real treasure.
ReplyDeleteITs absolutely a marvelous Duck!
ReplyDeleteFrank your images are just incredibly gorgeous. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCheers Anthony.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Mona.
Thanks Gary.
Thanks Andrew.
I totally agree Tammy.
Hi Sondra. Glad you liked them.
ReplyDeleteHi Lois. This species makes life easy for the camera.
Frank, a lovley tribute to the people of Japan. Your mandarin ducks photos are gorgeous. My prayers and thoughts are with all in Japan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen. Lets hope the power of prayer is of some comfort to them.
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't dream up a bird like this! Beautiful shots, Frank.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Wilma
Great pictures of the pair. It is that time of the year for pairing up to start.
ReplyDeleteAb-so-lutely beautiful. Clearly, the Mandarin, both male and female, are the most beautiful ducks of all!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful birds, even more colorful than the wood ducks.
ReplyDeleteA nice tribute for those who are suffering.
Beautiful birds and photos too.
ReplyDeleteHi Wilma. Definitely a very special package.
ReplyDeleteYes Bill, plenty of courting behaviour at the moment.
Hi KaHolly. Certainly the most colourful that I get to watch.
Hi Martha Z. I think both species have their own special charm.
Thanks Mick.
Hi Frank...these ducks are so beautiful they don't seem real, there coloring could only be painted by the creator, and none other could ever copy that!!
ReplyDeleteNice tribute to those in peril and in need of much prayer!!
Wow that's an absolutely stunning set of pictures Frank. And the fourth one with this color on the water is simply perfect and splendid.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Stu that everybody is concerned about a possible nuclear drama, while people (the survivors) are starving and might die if we do not help them...
I will never understand how this world function!!
Absolutely gorgeous shots of Mandarins!
ReplyDeleteHi Grammie. Nearly as bright as the one that used to float in the bath .. lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris. Thanks, it was fun capturing this species. Let's hope they really have the neclear issue under control. We have been at the mercy of nature since humans first existed but now the planet is getting more aggresive year by year .... where will it end?
Hi Pat. Delighted you enjoyed them.
A perfect set of images. Well done.
ReplyDeleteFotokarusellen. Thanks very much. Appreciate your visit.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos again Frank and a very apt and sobering tribute to a nation in unbelievable crisis...
ReplyDeletePost them all you want- I NEVER get tired of seeing them! They are beautiful and your photos are terrific!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan. Cheers Jan. Can only hope their steadfast determination will win through in the end.
ReplyDeleteHi EmptyNester. Thanks Pam but maybe something else next time.
Delightful and pertinent images.
ReplyDeleteSuch decorative creatures.
Excellent tribute Frank. Very beautiful images, moving thoughts shared. My heart aches for these people...I cannot begin to imagine the depth of loss and sadness~
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I'm glad you included some snaps of the females - they so often get overlooked with all that fancy male plumage flying around.
ReplyDeleteThanks joco.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. The images seem so unreal to those of us so far away and I shudder to think how we would cope in such circumstances.
Hi Wren. Appreciate your visit and comments. In my book the females are just as endearing.
This bird is outrageous. How could you possibly describe such a creature without pictures.
ReplyDeleteI hearty agree that solidarity of spirit with suffering people is important and your post is a shining example of that. Bravo!
Oh what a pretty bird! I did not know it was a symbol of marital fidelity or happiness. I can see why everyone loves this bird. How sad the disaster in Japan is. How good of you to post these pictures as symbols of hope for everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks Springman. This species is just as inscrutable as its devoted fans!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathie. I think they may need a little more than just hope but they are a dogged people and I'm sure they will do everything in their power to revover.
Lovely, especially the 4th pic.
ReplyDeletethis bird is soooo beautiful. I have not seen it in real life. But I would love to.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabib.
ReplyDeleteNatureFootstep. I hope you get a chance someday.
WOW! I've never seen a Mandarin and these shots inspire me to put it on the top of the list of must photograph birds. These might very well be the best images of this bird that I've ever seen. I'm drooling and must go get a towel now to sop it up before I ruin my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteHi Robin. I guess you are going to have to travel to add this one to your album AND don't forget to take a large towel .. lol.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. FAB.
Fantastic pics....
ReplyDelete