The Secret Life of Mandarin Drakes: A Winter Transformation

Their dazzling, colourful plumage fades into a muted, understated tone—a natural disguise for survival. In fact, they look like their females to blend in with their winter environment. In the bleak, grey winter landscape, their bright suits would make them easy targets. This phenomenon, called the eclipse, leaves the drake looking so much like the female that you’d need a close look to tell them apart.

During this vulnerable time, the drakes retreat to safe havens—places with water, reeds, and hiding spots to evade predators approaching by land or water. It’s a quiet, hidden phase of their lives, far from their usual vibrant display.

I read in James Rebanks' wonderful 'The Place of Tides' that eider drakes do not retreat to islands and hidden places, but go through their eclipse out on the ocean. The males stay together in large groups during this vulnerable time (leaving the females to do the breeding and duckling-caring).

I am fascinated by dazzling ducks. We underestimate them dreadfully. In the English and Dutch language there are many belittling sayings regarding ducks: being a lame duck, a sitting duck, a silly goose, 'dom gansje',  'een vreemde eend in de bijt'. 

Compare this to how Celtic culture revered ducks. They admired how high ducks could soar, the vast distances they traveled, and their resilience in enduring icy winters. But most of all, the Celts were captivated by how ducks thrived in three realms: the air, the land, and the water—equally at home in each.

No wonder ducks I have felt inspired by ducks. I have added them designing a Celtic plate, I have done many mandarin duck commissions, I have shapeshifted them with Koi carps (and much more but that comes later). 

May I introduce you to some of my Duck Cards? 

A Notecard Worth Framing

This beautifully printed notecard features a delicate illustration of mandarin ducks. The design is so happy that it can be framed as art—a larger image of the ducks is printed on the inside of the folded card. Professionally crafted, it’s perfect for:

• Snail mail enthusiasts 
• Wedding or love gifts (#
• Feng Shui decor 
• Art lovers 

Whether you send it as a loving and caring note or display it as a piece of art, my cards bring elegance into your home.

I have had customers ordering my mandarin ducks per two cards: one for sending, one for keeping (and often framing).

Paula Kuitenbrouwer

~artist at www.paulakuitenbrouwer.com~

Contact me freely at artisans@handmadeluxuryhome.eu with your questions.