WHOA! I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE!!!

When Craig and I visited the pond at Caswell Gardens in Troutdale, we weren't expecting a lot. The day was gray, and low light makes pond shots difficult.

However, we were stunned by what we saw!

He is considerably smaller than a Mallard ---

I thought at first he wasn't real until I saw this:

I wasn't able to identify them until I could get to my computer. They are Mandarin ducks and not common in this area. My daughter-in-law, who is from northern China, recognized them immediately. They are related to my old friends, the Wood ducks.

The Mallard was certainly shocked at their appearance. He nearly fell off his perch!

Once again, I am flabbergasted by the variety Nature has to offer.