Ducks in the pond

It was a bright sunny start to the day and the duck with the creamy coloured tail and her partner spent ages dabbling in our pond.  She was sitting on our garden deck at first light and actually started to investigate the nest boxes there more seriously.  I looked inside them later in the day and one has been 'prepared' for nesting.

 The ducks can't resist the pond

Even though the river is just below our pond and bog garden the ducks always head for the pond during the Spring and Summer.  These two were grubbing around in it at least three times today.

Heading down the rill for a wheat treat

As soon as I opened the door they both came straight down to the river for some wheat. They've nested with us for at least two years so they are used to us and don't get spooked by movement.

The riverside nest box had another egg in it today and we're not sure which duck laid it.  I thought it was one of the other mallards but I saw the duck (above) being chased out of it later this morning.  Dave's covered the entrance with a 'curtain' made from an old mop to discourage the crow.  We hope it doesn't put the female mallard off, too, but we doubt it.  A short while ago a male mandarin duck was looking inside it but he was immediately seen off by a drake!