Mandarin Duck/Aix galericulata

is a perching duck and closely related to the North American Wood Duck.  Once widespread in East Asia, Japan now has the largest number and is still home to 5,000 pairs.  These are migratory and overwinter in Lowland China and Southern Japan.  Nine Springs park here in town is home  to several pairs who enjoy the overhanging willows and reeds.

T and I took the children to the Italian for lunch as K was working.  Afterwards we went to the children's playground  at Nine Springs and then walked along the water's edge watching the waterfowl swimming about and ever hopeful for food!