Some people are dog lovers. Some are crazy for cats. We're fond of ducks, in particular the Mallard pair that have been visiting our pond annually since 1998. That's a long time and getting near the natural end for this variety living in the wild, or at least the wilds of a city park. Last year they barely visited and always for a brief time. If we so much as opened the door to the deck they flew away in a huff.
This year they've been coming almost daily, sometimes flying in and out two or three times. They swim, they doze, they dive. And they don't seem to mind us at all. They've ignored us as we work in the garden often quite close to the pond. We're not sure what's different this year but we are enjoying their presence. And like anyone who's fond of their pets, we take lots and lots of pictures of them. Here are a few of the most recent ones.
Handsome fellows!
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 01:20 AM
Lovely. Could it be that last year's pair was a new one, just gaining confidence? This year they feel more at home.
Posted by: rusty duck | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 04:45 AM
A pair of mallards plopped into my neighbors pool the other day. Ha... She happened to be outside and called me over to see them. They toodled around her pool for a bit then took off. They probably thought this nice looking water doesn't offer much. Your pond obviously offers so much more. Isn't it fun to have them around. I would become fond of them too. I enjoy seeing their pictures. The hen is quite beautiful in her subtle way.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 06:01 AM
Delightful :-)
Posted by: BettiPalm1 | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 06:56 AM
What nice companions for the workday although peonies in bloom are also nice to hang out with! They are an attractive couple, far nicer to meet than the single mother woodchuck who barrels through my garden far too often.
Posted by: Frank | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 07:42 AM
Sweet! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Friday, June 10, 2016 at 09:34 PM
Ducks are such sweet birds even though some people think they're not all they're quacked up to be.
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 01:27 AM
Jessica — Since ducks weren't banded or anything, we've always wondered if it is the same pair or not. This change in the frequency of visits and calmness in our presence could very well signal it is a new pair.
Posted by: Linda from Each Little World | Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 01:51 PM
I can't think of any place I'd rather hang out if I were duck. A handsome couple, to be sure.
Posted by: Erin @ The Impatient Gardener | Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 12:41 AM