After searching for days for the Mandarin Ducks (Aix galericulata) we were finally very fortunate to locate them.

Believed to have come into existence in Holland years ago via collection escapees, the Mandarins have been able to successfully breed and continue to thrive as feral ducks here.

So while we photographed the Mandarin and Wood ducks we took a brief moment to take a video while the Mandarins were inspecting  a downspout.

Enjoy the video below!! The Mandarin Ducks of Den Haag

Originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), tulips were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century. When Carolus Clusius wrote the first major book on tulips in 1592, they became so popular that his garden was raided and bulbs stolen on a regular basis. As the Dutch Golden Age grew, so did this curvaceous and colorful flower. They became popular in paintings and festivals. In the mid-seventeenth century, tulips were so popular that they created the first economic bubble, known as "Tulip Mania" (tulipomania). As people bought up bulbs they became so expensive that they were used as money until the market in them crashed. (1)

And when you come upon an entire field of brilliant colors, seas of yellow and pink and red, you completely understand why these bulbs are so sought after, they truly are a work of art by mother nature!

(1) http://www.holland.com/us/tourism/article/history-of-tulips-in-holland.htm

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Located on Elandstraat in Den Haag Netherlands, St. Ignatius Church was consecrated in 1892. The church is 196 feet long (60 meters), 131 feet wide (40 meters), 114 feet high (35 meters) and each tower is 236 feet high (72 meters). Just on the outside dimensions alone it is a very impressive structure. However, once you walk inside you are immediately struck by its incredible beauty. Looking up you are in awe of the height of the ceiling as well as the intricate details of the ceiling, every square inch covered in artwork and designs.

Each area holds a very symbolic place, from the area in which to kneel in front of Christ and pray, to the statue that allows you to write your prayer and needs in the sand before him, to the massive baptismal vessel. The walls are filled with stone carvings that represent important members of the church at the time it was built, including the builder of the church in on scene.

But what about the Saint the church was named after, St. Ignatius? From the research we have been able to do it appears that the church was  named after St. Ignatius of Loyola. Born in 1491, St. Ignatius was a Spanish knight who founded the Society of the Jesuits. He died in 1556 and is buried in Rome and was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1609 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. St. Ignatius was declared the patron of all spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922.

Not only is St. Ignatius Church filled with physical beauty but it is also filled with religious beauty. So enjoy this photographic tour of St. Ignatius Den Haag Netherlands as much as we enjoyed capturing the beauty of it through our images for you.

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Not only is Holland rich with history but it is also rich with birds! With such an incredible expanse of water the area just beckons for waterfowl, and waterfowl it has! In the states it is common to see Canada Geese and possibly Snow Geese during the winter months. But in the Netherlands it is common to see Barnacle Geese, Greylag Geese, Egyptian Geese, Canada Geese, Pink-Footed Geese and many more I am sure I have overlooked. Not to mention the Mute Swans, Black Swans, Whooper Swans, Tundra Swans, just an amazing amount of of waterfowl and I have barely scratched the surface!

Our most recent photographic journey took us to Polders Poelgeest in Oegstgeest Netherlands. When you first walk up to this polder you are struck by the noise - gulls, geese, swans - it is so loud and constant, but wonderful because you know you are out enjoying the beauty of nature! And at this time of the year, yes they were all busy making more nature! Everywhere you turned around a duck was being chased by many drakes, the Great Crested Grebes were under a bridge, the Black Headed Gulls were flirting, chasing and yes - catching the females! And if they weren't creating young ones then there was a good chance they already had young ones, and oh yes, they too are everywhere! Not only the baby Coots, but baby Geese and baby Sheep, well technically lambs... But everyone has their little ones!

So enjoy our images of nature in all her beauty, in the old and the new and the ones about to be born...

Den Haag Netherlands is an absolutely fascinating city, full of history. Located on the edge of the North Sea and surrounded by an intricate series of canals, the landscape and architecture offer a wide variety of photographic opportunities.

Den Haag originated in 1230 by Count Floris IV when he purchased land to build a hunting residence. In 1248 his son William II, King of the Romans, extended the residence and built a palace, now known today as Binnenhof and is still in use for specific events by the Dutch Monarch.

Walking down the street you are surrounded by the beauty of the old architecture, buildings built in the 1500 and 1600s and meticulously maintained, complete with doorway carvings greeting your entrance. But not only is Den Haag full of old architecture and history, but it is also plays a very important role in International Politics. The International Court of Justice, commonly referred to as the World Court is housed here in the Peace Palace.

So enjoy a few images of our photographic tour of Den Haag, showing you some of the beauty in its architecture. There will be more to come, not just in architecture but also in its landscape and nature!