Dear Mrs Duck - can I mow there please ?

The countryside is full of territory, human imposed (looks like we have strip lychetts in the back paddock), ground animals (unknown cats poking heads out of divers bushes), avian influences (buzzed by bats and an owl last night) and finally the ducks.

It appears that we own the pond only in name, in actuality 2 broods of ducks really rule the roost here. The previous owners used to feed them daily on white bread, they're a bit shocked by healthier fare now being proffered to them, likewise they're taking us as a necessary intrusion to swimming lessons with the little ones. One has just discovered diving and the other 2 start scared looking around wildly whilst their sibling plays submarines leaving a little trail of tell tale bubbles in it's wake.

Such is the way of the wild, attrition has taken 13 little duckings down to 7 maturing duckettes according to neighbours. Despite us having an active Kestrel nest box, they are seemingly not the cause of losses (prefering small mammals) but a local fox / badger plus Magpies have played their role.

All I can say on this summer Sunday with the church bell tolling lazily over the wheat is Mrs Duck - you've done well, they're a credit to you.