During the winter months, a popular Sunday afternoon activity is to go to one of the many rivers around here to feed the ducks. In the summer months they are not interested because they feed on weed off the river bed. But in the winter months they are highly appreciative of bread fed to them from the river bank.
One time, I saw the strangest duck I've ever seen - see the pic. I had never seen one before, but later found out that it was a Mandarin duck. I was convinced that it was a kid's toy that had been floated on the river, and stood there looking for the string - until the duck moved its wings and head.
Does this breed of duck exist in America? Is it rare?
(Photo reduced in size to fit frame)
