Maestro Ferdinand
by Morris Finkelstein
Title
Maestro Ferdinand
Artist
Morris Finkelstein
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) is a very distinctive and attractive duck with multiple colors and iridescent tones. This duck measures about 17.7 inches in length and about 18.9 ounces in weight. Populations are scattered in west and southwest Asia, and in Europe; this species was introduced in the United States, Britain, and Central Europe. In the United States, the Mandarin Duck is considered an “exotic waterfowl”, initially introduced in Sonoma County, California, but may be infrequently encountered anywhere, and successful in the wild. Preferred habitats include marshes, fields, swamps, lakes, and rivers close to deciduous forest. Preferred foods include seeds, grain, aquatic plants, and small animals.
This solitary Mandarin Duck mingling with a group of Mallards at St. Ferdinand Park, in Florissant, Missouri for the past several weeks was photographed flapping its wings in a small pond on 10-14-2020, and assumed a 'conductor' pose. I used a Nikon D850 camera body and a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR telephoto zoom lens to capture this image. Settings: 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1800. A Mandarin Duck was observed at the same location at the end of September last year, presumably the same ‘rare’ duck. Local birders have affectionately been calling this bird Ferdinand or Ferdie. I've entitled this photograph "Maestro Ferdinand"!
I am honored that my photograph was featured in the Fine Art America groups:
Glimpses Of Autumn, 10-16-2020
FAA Portraits - Birds, 10-16-2020
FAA Portraits 10-16-2020
10 Plus, 10-19-2020
Wild Birds Of The World, 10-22-2020
Ducks Geese And Swans Only, 10-24-2020
Poetic Poultry, 10-26-2020
Water Forms, 11-22-2020
Coastal Water Birds - Shore Birds, 12-15-2020
Pure Nature Photography, 1-9-2021
Mind-Blowing Photography, 1-22-2021
Art Forever With You, 3-15-2021
Midwest America Photography, 3-25-2021
USA Photographers Only, 2-24-2023
Sold On FAA, 2-25-2023
All About Birds, 2-28-2023
Camera Art Special Artist Of The Week, 3-8-2023
Just Perfect, 5-14-2023
A Bird Group - Wings, 9-28-2023
KEYWORDS: maestro ferdinand, mandarin duck, aix galericulata, duck, water bird, shore bird, waterfowl, exotic waterfowl, introduced, bird, avian, nature, natural, wild, wildlife, outdoors, wings, feathers, plumage, red, orange, brown, green, blue, white, wings spread, iridescence, beautiful, colorful, conductor, maestro, rare, uncommon, swimming, pond, water, reflections, autumn, fall, midwest, midwestern, st. ferdinand park, florissant, missouri, morris finkelstein, st. louis, missouri, photograph, digital, horizontal, action, close up, portrait, nikon d850, photography
Uploaded
October 15th, 2020
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