The Mandarin Duck is by far the UK's most colourful duck. It is originally from the far east, but was realised/escaped at some point and is now long established and breeds in the UK. It nests in holes in trees. Although mainly found in the south of england, they can still be found in the north on rivers and lakes. These two were on the River Derwent (on Gibside's River Walk). The male's colours are very flamboyant, whereas the female has much more subdued colours, shades of grey and brown with beautiful green feathers on her wings.

In June the same year, I spotted the mother and five chicks in the same place, gently swimming upstream. Here are two of the chicks, they look much like the mum.