Tooting Common: Undercover Mandarin Drake

Pretty subtle in large
Extras:
Coot conflict
Approaching
Tiny tufted duckling
Tufted ducklings

Mum appeared in the morning, and we headed off for an amble around the pond on Tooting Common. There were two sets of tufted ducklings there (one tiny individual, and another batch of five 'tween ones), and it was nice to see this pretty mandarin. I thought it was a female, but on closer inspection he is actually a male in eclipse plumage (the red beak is the giveaway).
The mother of the tiny tufted duckling was being very vigilant and diving at the large carp whenever they approached her tiny vulnerable little duckling.

Others here (or right from Tufted duckling)