Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Mandarin ducks swimming in cherry blossom petals

This photo shows a male mandarin duck swimming in the moat of Hirosaki Castle, which is covered with cherry blossom petals. Many cherry trees are planted around Hirosaki Castle, and it is famous that the moat is covered with petals when the cherry blossoms fall. In Japan, this is called "Hana-ikada".

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Hirosaki City, Japan
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Masahiro Hiroike