From my Gallery, Trip to North Carolina”

Photographed at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park

The Mandarin Duck is a medium-sized, East Asian perching duck, closely related to the North American Wood Duck. Populations in eastern Russia
and in China have been reduced to below 1,000 pairs in each country. Japan, however, is thought to still hold some 5,000 pairs. In
traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks represent a lifetime couple, unlike many other species of ducks. Hence they are
frequently featured in Chinese art and are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection. In actuality,
the male seeks a different companion every year!