Lucky Duck

I was surprised to see these Mandarin ducks mating this afternoon, particularly since we're supposed to have a cold winter ahead of us (I'll believe it when I see it). I was even more surprised when I started reading up on the mating habits of ducks. Only three per cent of birds have penises and ducks belong to the "haves". The drakes have plenty to swagger about as this (I hope) fascinating clip shows. The note also observes that the females are equipped with various defences which should mean that this girl shouldn't be laying out of season. It wasn't as if she was playing hard to get. Maybe they just fancied a bit. Just good friends.

Low afternoon sun catching the glasshouse at Wisley.