At 5:43 p.m. Friday afternoon, our pair of Mallard ducks flew in. Fred and Ethel, as we call them, typically appear the minute our pond is iced out enough for them to land. This is the 22nd year they have visited our garden.
Given the typical life expectancy of ducks which are not in captivity, this is probably not our original pair. Since we did not "band" them, there is no way of knowing for sure.
But we prefer to think that they are our first Fred and Ethel, behaving as though the world was its normal, old self.
Well, if they're not Fred and Ethel Senior, I bet they're their progeny. They learned your pond is a good place to land somewhere. They're delightful.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, March 30, 2020 at 03:37 PM
There's something so reassuring in their return. Spring will come, trees will flower, birds will sing. It goes on regardless, and there are bits of joy in every day.
Posted by: Frank | Monday, March 30, 2020 at 08:00 PM
Yay, Fred and Ethel are back! Congratulations. It is a special day.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Monday, March 30, 2020 at 10:15 PM
How wonderful Fred and Ethel are back. Spring migration is on. I wonder if the birds can feel the difference in the air? I feel sure they can because I think I can feel the difference. The noise pollution is down. That is what I notice the most.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 04:34 AM
So sweet. Life goes on.
Posted by: Michelle | Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 07:16 AM
Patterns are comforting, I'm glad Fred and Ethel are birds of habit.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Wednesday, April 01, 2020 at 11:03 AM