There can be no more colourful and outrageously exotic looking duck than the male mandarin (see picture).

Their courtship routine is equally spectacular as groups of drakes fully erect their head feathers in flambuoyant posturing and rapidly chase one another emitting contrasting high-pitched whistles with hollow 'woomphs'.

Females watch and swim in circles hither and thither no doubt sizing up prospective mates.

Now is the time to watch the activity and the Pheasantry in Bushy park is the place to be.

While the male is ultra handsome the female is most attractive but in a rather understated way, having greyish-brown partly mottled plumage and a distinctive cream eyestripe.

Whilst pairing takes place during autumn, nesting begins next April and lakes overhung with trees and bushes such as rhododendron are favourite sites such as can be found in the Isabella plantation in Richmond Park.

Like many ducks, mandarins nest in tree holes, especially oaks or very occasionally on the ground.

It is estimated that there are more mandarins in Britain than in their native Japan and other Asian countries.

The bird was introduced to Britain around 1700 and many escaped captivity from private collections thereafter, slowly spreading, mainly in the southern half of the country.

Read more of Tony Drakeford's nature notes