Mandarin adult male in breeding plumage

On an early afternoon visit to my local park, I was lucky to have good light for the first time in weeks. It was time to try some clever shots matching the colour of the waterbirds with the reflection in the water of the trees on the opposite side of the lake. Mandarins were introduced into Britain in the early twentieth century and have adapted well to the habitats and the weather. The adult Mandarin in breeding plumage is a splendid bird, almost comical in appearance.