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Post by Janne on Apr 20, 2008 11:25:43 GMT -8
3 male Mandarin ducks were observed amongst the Wood Ducks on the Miaimi River near the Hot Springs Road on Saturday, April 19 about 6:30 PM. I believe I saw these three birds whiz down the Miaimi behind my home about 10 AM the same morning. They passed so quickly I was unable to do a positive ID and, of course, was not expecting Mandarins. They can be viewed from the bridge on the Hot Springs Road beside the Old Settler Pub. Unfortunately I did not have my camera available this weekend for a photo.
Janne Perrin
Harrison Hot Springs
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Post by neepgrin on Apr 20, 2008 16:31:02 GMT -8
As promised Janne.....  These are little fellows were so much fun to watch. Thanks again for posting their locale and spotting their arrival. It was great fun chatting with you today. Enjoy the coming sunshine. Linda |
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Post by Wetlander on Apr 20, 2008 19:31:44 GMT -8
Cool Janne!
Bona told us about these today, hope they hang around for awhile.
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Post by Chris on Apr 20, 2008 21:41:24 GMT -8
Might be a dumb question but would someone have released these or are they wild?
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Post by neepgrin on Apr 20, 2008 22:20:52 GMT -8
You are quite correct that they are not native. Altho they may be runaways, all were capable of flight and did so. There were also no females that I could ID in the neighbourhood of the men. I think Janne mentioned they were observed the year before in the same area....  ? |
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Post by Janne on Apr 21, 2008 17:45:00 GMT -8
Thanks for posting the photo Neepgrin. I have never seen Mandarins before here. Once I observed a live one in the waterfowl collection at Leeds Castle in the UK. I retrieved my cmaera today and am charging the camera battery as I type in hopes the 3 Mandarins are still hanging out on the Miami when the it' is ready.
Janne Perrin
Harrison Hot Springs
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Post by neepgrin on Apr 21, 2008 17:49:11 GMT -8
Pls let us know if you see them again. I was unable to make the drive out there today - maybe tomorrow. Good luck with your camera shots.
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Post by Gord on Apr 21, 2008 21:04:22 GMT -8
What beautiful little ducks!!
I wonder where they came from. What is the status for this species? I know at one time there was a small population in Vancouver. This is the first in some time of any Ive heard reported.
They look in fine shape that does not suggest being in a cage or in captivity where they were crowded. Not to say they were not at one point but there's no evidence to support that yet.
Where is the nearest feral population of these guys?
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Post by Janne on Apr 21, 2008 21:08:55 GMT -8
Mandarin ducks (Aix galerielata), escaped from captivity, have shown indications of establishing a feral breeding population in coastal BC; successful breeding has not yet been demonstrated. (from the on line Canadian Encyclopedia) Here's a photo of them "bedding down" at 8 pm this evening. Janne Perrin HHS  |
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