Mandarin Ducks, オシドリ

Every year they spend the winter at these lakes in the mountains just south of the city. They feed on the acorn type nuts and hang around under the dark trees at the waterfront, mostly out of sight. They don't like to come close at all, but the males with their colorful plumage are easy to detect, even from a distance. Getting a nice photo is a different story. I hope to get the chance to see them up close sometime. In the meantime...

From far:

All mens affair. Where are your ladies?

One female joining the crowd

A few more in the back.