The wildlife in the park continues to bring surprises. In April we were all surprised to see the arrival of the rather elegant Mandarin duck. It was very shy at first, and only made it’s presence known by it’s distinctive call. A sort of rising whistle.
Quite soon though, as it saw the other ducks tucking in to their daily allocation of corn, he joined in and was soon bossing the Mallards with his very confident manner and slightly aggressive behaviour.
Strangely, he seemed to make friends with the white Aylesbury duck, and they would spend hours sleeping under the willows, or gently cruising round the pond.
Enquiries regarding it’s rarity in this area were made with the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland trust, who gently informed us that it was now fairly common along the whole of the Severn Valley. Still, it was avery nice daily distraction to watch him preening his marvellous plumage.
Sadly he has moved on to pastures (ponds?) new. Presumably to seek a mate elsewhere.
Who knows? He may return someday and breed. That would be great.
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