27/04/2005
Calamity?
I don't know what cruel twist of fate has sent the first mother duck of this season with just one chick to show off to me. Hopefully the later broods will fare better...
The routine remains the same... Mother hops up onto the weir outside my back door and quacks imperiously for the chick to follow her.
How the babies last a moment with the rush of water pushing against them I have no idea, but even this tiny individual tried several times to beat the current and join its mother.
Unfortunately, chick one was too small and eventually took the same way out all the others have done over the years- up my steps. And even then it fell back a few times before it was successful. The plan then is to skitter a few yards up stream along the bank before plopping back into the water triumphant.
I held my breath until finally the little fluff ball made it.
It's true... the small pleasures really are the best.
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
The routine remains the same... Mother hops up onto the weir outside my back door and quacks imperiously for the chick to follow her.
How the babies last a moment with the rush of water pushing against them I have no idea, but even this tiny individual tried several times to beat the current and join its mother.
Unfortunately, chick one was too small and eventually took the same way out all the others have done over the years- up my steps. And even then it fell back a few times before it was successful. The plan then is to skitter a few yards up stream along the bank before plopping back into the water triumphant.
I held my breath until finally the little fluff ball made it.
It's true... the small pleasures really are the best.
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
