Mr. Mandarin

After the lovely warm weather of yesterday it certainly changed today.  The temperature plumetted and we had hail and snowstorms.  This afternoon the sun shone but it was windy and very cold.

Six of us from the photography group met up for a walk along the canal in Ellesmere then returned via the Mere where I saw this very handsome male Mandarin Duck.

It's the second year that this chap has been on The Mere and appears to be alone.  Apparently they mate for life and it can't be easy finding a lady when they're not natives of this country.  He's a very spectacular duck and causes quite a stir when visitors see him.