Our mallard couple returned to our pond again this spring to have their new batch of ducklings.
Last year, they had 13. This yearโs flock of little ones tallies 12.
They are so small, fluffy, tiny and adorable. But they also grow and learn so quickly. It feels like a privilege to be able to witness the parents raise and teach their little ones.

And they are very good, attentive parents getting the ducklings to respond and corral together in the event of any danger. Itโs also amazing to watch the ducklings learn from each other. When one learns to dive, they all try. When one runs on water to catch a mosquito, they all do. And itโs amazing how quickly they learn and master new skills.

In a bid to give them some protection this year, we built a duck house that should provide them with some shelter and which weโve placed in an inaccessible spot. Hopefully, theyโll figure out itโs a potential safe haven.
My wife even decorated the interior with dry bulrush leaves, the same leaves they nest in on the opposite side of the pond. Hopefully itโll encourage them to move in.

Theyโll probably be around for a few more weeks, and then theyโll be gone as soon as they learn how to fly, and the cycle will start again next April with a new batch of ducklings.

[…] mallards had their ducklings at our pond again this year. This time, however, our duckling story turned out be unpredictable and […]