Amateur photographer Mike White has sent this photo of a Mandarin duck on the River Nidd at Birstwith.
The brightly coloured waterbirds were introduced to the UK from China and escaped captivity. With their elaborate plumage, they are easily distinguishable but are shy creatures who like to hide.
Mr White, who has photographed the birds annually, said he has seen one pair — a male and a female — at Birstwith so far this year.
He also sent us these two photos he took recently at Staveley Nature Reserve.
Send us your photographs of the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
Read more:
- Bettys extends opening hours in Harrogate and York
- Harrogate Spring Water denies claims it could expand again
Reader’s photo: Mandarin duck in Birstwith
Mike White, a keen amateur photographer from Birstwith, sent us this image of a Mandarin duck he photographed on the River Nidd.
The waterbird was introduced to the UK from China and escaped captivity. A shy bird, it nests in trees. Male birds have elaborate plumage.
Mr White told us he had seen three pairs of the birds on the Nidd at Birstwith this year.
Send us your photographs of the Harrogate district to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Coach & Horses pub set to reopen in early July
- Harrogate council to move ‘eyesore’ £4,350 smart bins