Mandarins in Baden-Baden~


These guys weren’t part of my plan for the day!


I was going to show you Baden-Baden,

but the Mandarins got in my way!

Why are Mandarin Ducks swimming wild in Germany you may well wonder?


Although Mandarin Duck populations are dwindling in their native Russia and Asia, some escapees from captivity are breeding in the wild in Germany and The UK. I happened upon these guys today on the Oos River in Baden-Baden Germany.


So, it is cheers to you, and Happy Spring, from the gorgeous German Mandarins~


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379 thoughts on “Mandarins in Baden-Baden~

  1. Oh my, so beautiful Cindy.
    I’ve only seen these birds twice in my life, the second time I had the camera with me. They looked like they were made of porcelain as the glided by me. TTFN

        1. Yes! Please do! I hear they also have established a small colony in Northern California, although I have certainly never seen them. The UK has the largest wild breeding group. If I were you, I would be beyond thrilled to find them, because it is mating and nesting and hatching season! Imagine the photos! Imagine the experience! So, if you can, and want to, go back where you saw them float by, and see if they are there! I would be thrilled to see your photos! <3

    1. I have now been thinking about you and your potential future trip. Please share with me your plans as you make them, if you choose. I so love planning travel. It is an anticipatory part of the whole wonderful process, and I really think people should do it themselves. It helps them know a place before they go, and makes it more personally rewarding.

  2. So colorful they look like toys! Incredible what nature produces! When collecting images of birds on Pinterest, I sometimes wonder whether colors have been doctored via Photoshop or not. Glad you had a chance to enjoy these Mandarins. I’m sure they enjoyed your attention too! 🙂

    1. Yes! They look like something a super skillful photo manipulator might make up. Fortunately they are not. Here are other people’s photos of them via google image search:
      https://www.google.com/search?q=mandarin+duck&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS668US668&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiLlLm7sLzTAhWKr1QKHaJZApYQ_AUICCgB
      They are widely considered the world’s most beautiful duck. and I agree. Plus, I am certain, they reacted to the lens. They seemed to pose, moving as is if to say, wait, you didn’t get my best angle!
      Laughing and hugs to you dear Lynn~ <2

      1. Wow! That’s cool. I have never seen them here but I will now have to go and find a place (hopefully nearby) where I can see the real thing. Thanks Cindy. 👍😄

  3. They are really striking, aren’t they? Until a few months ago, I would not have know what they were–the head feathers are arranged a bit like a wood duck, but other than that… Another blogger has been shooting pictures of them in England. I think that proves your point about them escaping and breeding elsewhere. Enjoy your trip.

  4. Nature got out her magic markers and let loose on the day she came up with these birds. So amazingly beautiful. I’m glad they are still around and finding new homes. Great photos, Cindy.

  5. Cindy, these are such beautiful ducks! I’m learning so much from our trip, thanks to your posts — stay safe and I look forward to seeing more of the sights with you!

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