It seemed to us (and possibly her, too) that this year-old female duck had been sitting on her five eggs for-EVAH, but yesterday morning she hatched out four little ducklings. (One egg was partially hatched, but the duckling didn't make it.)
That was early yesterday morning and by the afternoon she had her babies out and exploring their new, big world. What miracle of nature!
This picture isn't the greatest (the fourth duckling is hard to see in the grass just under the mama's tail) but we didn't want to get too close in case we upset the little family.
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Although thunderstorms were predicted over last night, all we heard were some distant rumblings. This morning has dawned dark, humid and heavy, although not very warm. The temp is 60°. I could sure use a day feeling comfortably closeted inside here at my desk or working on food preparation in the kitchen. And if Mother Nature would give us a soaking rain that would be perfect.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
9 comments:
Congratulations to Mama Duck! Isn't it amazing how in nature those little ones have to be up and at 'em so soon after entering this world! Thanks for sharing the little family. -Jenn
Well then, may you get a good, soaking rain and an indoor day! I'll be the new duck family would love it, too.
Jenn - Aren't things done the natural way just the best? If we had gotten day old ducklings or chicks from a hatchery we'd keep them under a heat lamp for . . . what? A month?
Michelle - Couple hours later now and still heavy and gray, but not a drop of rain. But I'm still inside working on my "inside" list so all is well.
Hurray for ducklings!
Leigh - It's hard to believe how fast they are running behind Mama Duck at less than 24 hours old. (Hope the mama knows what she's doing taking them out so early!)
Congrats, how cute! What breed are they?
Nancy - All Muscovy . . . although that all yellow one sure does look like a chicken from a distance! (We have had all yellow ducklings -- of the Muscovy breed -- in the past and they change color as they grow.)
It's good to see the ducklings and their mom out enjoying the day. Here's hoping they all do well! Phil
Thanks, Phil!
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