THE MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata

The week after my visit to the estuary with my daughter, Eva had two out of town appointments, so she invited me to go with her, but would drop me off at a nearby nature reserve and join me later for tea. Naturally I thought it was a splendid idea and accompanied her with the greatest of pleasure. We had an early lunch and set off at1 o'clock, arriving an hour later. It was a warm sunny day but there was a slightly cooler breeze in the air, the first of the season.I had wisely taken a warm jacket along just in case it would be needed.Eva departed with a wave and "see you later," and off I went on a leisurely stroll through the quiet nature reserve. Except for the tearoom, the reserve was almost deserted, so I had the luxury of having the park all to myself.There were many pretty flowered shrubs along the pathways which I took pleasure in photographing, and a few banana trees in the gardens, and then I saw the beautiful Mandarin Ducks, and their stunning plumage. This exotic  species native to East Asia China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russa, have also been introduced in many countries.

Paraguay Nightshade

Same as above.

Bougainvillea

Very green bananas. I hope they ripen before the colder weather starts.

At first, I thought Rhododendron, but I am not sure.

The male Mandarin Duck in all his splendour.

Here you can see the subdued browns and greys of the female, but a white circle round her eye and white stripe makes her most attractive in my eyes.

Here you have a better view of the purple-coloured breast. The male is a fine looking fellow, but he doesn't always look like this. After the mating season his colourful plumage does not return.Instead, his feathers are made up of brown and grey making him look like his female counterpart. Often the only way to tell them apart at this time is to look at their bills. The males retain the red that females lack.

In the Fall, the male will molt again into breeding plumage to prepare for the breeding season, and dazzle with his coat of many colours once more. Look how the white encircles the eye of the female and makes the eyes stand out.

The mottled flanks, and white line circling the beak is most attractive.

I like this photo of the ducks all in a row.

Mandrin ducks are monogamous, pair bonds may continue for many seasons. They symbolize wedded happiness and fidelity in traditional Chinese lore.

Since I took more photos from under the banana leaves, I am including these two photos in this post. These pendulums are the blossom of the banana tree.

 

 Can you please let me know, if you are familiar with these flowers and at what stage they are ready to bloom.

THE ESTUARY Part Three

Continuing the third part of my day spent at the estuary with my daughter Eva I will be sharing just a few bird photos, and some more images of the local atmosphere, on and off the water. It was a fantastic day out. My snaps are of a poor quality, but I hope you enjoy sharing in the atmosphere of that sunny day. By the time I took these photos, I felt very tired as the walk to the estuary had been a long walk, and I was already on my way back to the car,  soaking up the atmosphere of everything I saw as I went along.

Herring Gull

 A few Rock Pigeons / Doves

I have read that the Pigeon is one of the most intelligent animals on this planet, although we often think of them as being just a nuisance  

A beautiful bird.

More water sport images. I have left the birds in on purpose,

on every photo. :=)

 

A relaxed atmosphere, as people were enjoying finishing their lunch.

It was just like a summer's day, when eating outside is so pleasurable

Chilling out with the family.

A Yellow-legged Gull near the restaurants.

Lots of activity, without the promenade ever feeling crowded.

 Egyptian Geese.

 

The beautiful bronze statue on the esplanade by the Rio Douro is by the artist Irene Vilar 1930-2001. It is called "The Messenger" and is the Angel Gabriel, although it is usually referred to as "The Angel".

THE ESTUARY part two

Having photographed so many varied things when I went to the estuary with my daughter Eva, I couldn't share them all in one post, so I am going to divide my images into three posts. As I wrote in my last post there was a lot going on. It was perfect weather for sailing, and other water sports, or just relaxing. People were walking their dogs, riding bicycles, taking photos of the sailing vessels, and many people were promenading the seashore enjoying meeting up with friends.

Meanwhile on shore, I looked out for different birds to photograph.

The Bar-tailed Godwit.   Limoso Lapponica

I photographed a lot of these wading birds.

I saw at least 25 to 30 of these birds, 

so, the ones you see are not always the same bird.

 

There were some smaller replicas of these birds, little juveniles 

I also photographed a lot, because it was my first sighting of a Godwit. :=) I am beginning to think of myself as a birder, so I saw a lifer!!:=) Is that too presumptuous of me!

The juveniles were in small groups, milling around in all directions, 

They ran so fast, that it was impossible for me to get a good image.

I have saved the best three images until last.

This concludes the second part of my visit to the estuary.