Mark: Simon is the one to give a definitive answer, here. I’ve not seen them (鴛鴦) in my two recent visits; I
did look, but not all that hard and they can be impossible to see, if they roost on the tree roots on the north-western shore. I’ve never seen them with rings, flags or other bling.
As for ‘ticking’ them: they are classified (by the BOU) exactly the same as, for example, Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge. The decision’s yours.
As regards ‘roasting’ them, the BBC (
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Mandarin_Duck) says: “apparently they taste really bad!”. In traditional Chinese culture, they are regarded 'as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity' and used as a symbol in weddings (thanks, Wikipedia). ‘Peking Duck’ is now made using white birds with yellow bills, a sub-species of Mallard. Don’t forget your pancakes, I’m sure you know your (spring) onions and being a bit saucy (hoisin) helps !
At Wells yesterday, the Chiffchaff was calling as I arrived, showed immediately- then shut up and promptly disappeared. It seemed to have relocated to near where the old kissing gate was, when I left.
From a little earlier there, the grey
vehicle (this word doesn’t seem adequate, somehow) below. I moved my own jalopy away, before I took the snap: they were not worthy companions. I’d thought their summer plumage was red; but a quick GoogleImage search showed that they do not seem anything like as flashy as the marque that begins with ‘F’.
