I said 6 feet!!! (Aix galericulata)

Earlier in the summer, the Mandarin ducks tried to avoid the fray. They were rarely seen and may have been letting themselves be bullied off the pond. But by September the tables were, if not turned then at least more balanced. Here's a glimpse of Mr Mandarin chasing off a Mallard who was coming too close. I wonder if the Mandarins will be back next summer, and if so if they'll claim enough space to breed.