On cold, rainy and rather miserable days we often see Fred and Ethel splashing about in the pond, but they disappeared from the garden during the recent hot spell. So we were glad to see them here again on Friday. Mark was off doing Saturday errands this afternoon when I looked out the window and saw Ethel standing on the round stone at the edge of the pond. When I glanced out again a few minutes later I couldn't see her but there were a bunch of little birds wobbling around the pebble beach that edges the pond. As I stood at the window watching them, I suddenly realized they weren't birds — they were ducklings!
In the twenty years the ducks have been coming to our pond, this is only the third time that Ethel's brought the ducklings. We don't have enough secure cover for them to actually nest here.
Luckily Mark arrived home in time to take a few pictures. The minute he walked out the door Ethel and the kids started swimming away from him.
This morning the pond was almost completely covered with seeds from the surrounding trees. Turns out the ducklings and even Ethel are almost impossible to see swimming amidst the gold and green and brown dappled surface of the water.
They swam to the farthest edge of the pond from Mark and went into the Irises behind the big rocks that are in the water. Once Ethel decided it was safe, she let the kids come out into view again.
All ten of them were practicing their swimming technique while she watched.
Then she rounded them up and they all went to the back edge of the pond for a nap.
The ducklings must all be underneath her because they aren't in the water and they didn't leave the garden. Another perfect afternoon in the garden.
Six fuzzy ducklings! Now that's a perfect day.
Posted by: Nell | Saturday, June 02, 2018 at 10:06 PM
They’re so cute! Hope they stick around so you can (hint) share more photos.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Sunday, June 03, 2018 at 12:21 AM
What a treat to have the ducklings swimming in your pond! They are adorable and I hope they stay safe. Thanks for sharing Mark's photos with us.
Posted by: Alison | Sunday, June 03, 2018 at 09:42 AM
Oh, wonderful. Well done Ethel!
Posted by: rusty duck | Sunday, June 03, 2018 at 02:41 PM
Oh! That is the most wonderful thing. I wonder how long they will stay. I hope they stay safe.
Posted by: Jenny | Sunday, June 03, 2018 at 04:28 PM
This is a great surprise to find in the garden. I hope none of your frogs or turtles are large enough to eat the ducklings. They are so cute.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Sunday, June 03, 2018 at 07:42 PM
Oh my gosh, they are so sweet! BTW, I replied to you on Erin's blog...my toad lilies didn't appear until last week here in KC, so hopefully yours will still show up for you.
Posted by: Kristin | Monday, June 04, 2018 at 07:21 AM
I did see your comment on Erin's blog. Only one of my toad lilies has not made an appearance as of yet. I still have things coming up late or not at all or not quite the usual size. Such an unusual year.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, June 04, 2018 at 08:08 AM
Adorable! A special treat for you to see Ethel and the kids and to share them with us.
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Monday, June 04, 2018 at 08:55 AM