#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Mama Mallard taking her bath

Quite a dustup between Charlie and the mallards today. And, finally, we have a Mama Mallard sighting. The special one and I were outside clearing brush for a long time. This activity allows him to prove how strong he is, lifting dead branches, and to admire how strong I am. Then, walking by a big pile of brush I made some years ago that I keep adding to, Charlie smelled Mama Duck, nesting in the brush pile! Oh! She came quacking out, he chased her, and Frank grabbed him. She flew in a huff over the brook. We were very sorry, and there was quite a commotion. But now we know where she’s nesting. After his nap, I heard the special one waking up. “We’re sorry Mrs. Mallard. We’re sorry.” He wanted us to find the ducks and apologize. I was agreeable. We went to the brook and found Mr. Mallard alone there, enjoying an afternoon swim. Then, suddenly, Mama Mallard flew over our heads and dropped into the brook. We watched her bath. She dunked three times, ceremoniously, then through out her wings to shake them dry. The couple swam around the brook for a bit, then both flew over our heads back to the nest. We were outside pretty much the whole day, clearing brush, watching the ducks, and it was most pleasant. The pool is open tomorrow.