Make Way For Ducklings~

One of my favorite childrens’ books is also true of life here in the country.   There’s even a Duck Crossing sign in the neighboring town of Dayton near the creek that runs off of Silver Lake.  And plenty of ducks to watch for.

This time of year the ducklings are delightful to observe, waddling after their mamas and zipping behind them over the water, bobbing, dabbling, and whatever it is that ducks do.  Such cheerful creatures, far better tempered than most geese.   The two species tolerate each other but seldom form a close acquaintance, that is until the mallard nesting outside my parent’s back door near the driveway hatched out her fuzzy brood.  After a trip to the river, just down from their  house, she returned with her babies  in tow and a concerned gander who seems to feel an obligation to watch over the little duck and her family.

Highly unusual.  But then, you never can tell with ducks or geese…sometimes they surprise you.

We once had a sole pair of ducks who hatched only a single offspring.  As the little fellow grew, he became something of a problem, pestering his parents for a pal.  One day, his mother took him away and came back without him.  We assume she found  a mate for her young drake.

*These pics are taken by my mom of the mama duck and her new babies and the concerned gander.