The ducks came back yesterday and today. One female seems to be looking for a place to nest, she made herself quite comfortable in my back corner flower bed and stayed there for a long time yesterday. She blended right into the mulch and could barely be seen from the house. The only problem with her nesting here is our beloved golden retriever, Lilly. I had to let her out on the leash yesterday to make sure she didn't disturb the duck. I'm sure there are more suitable nesting places near the three ponds in our neighborhood.
They are so funny coming right up to the patio eating the sunflower seeds.
You can see in this picture that the grass is turning so green and needs to be mowed already.
The male mallard is a fine looking specimen, especially when the sun is shining on him.
Aren't they a cute couple?
Is this a first for you, the ducks? They are lovely, but your poor dog, not fair, it's his house!
ReplyDeleteFrances
Nancy, so far they are just eating bird seed and haven't bothered the flower gardens.
ReplyDeleteFrances, I saw a mama duck last year passing in the common area with a LOT of little ducklings, but this is the first time I've had them come into my yard like this. They must be hungry.
I'm not sure what to do about the dog. I don't want her to hurt a duck, and I'd rather they not nest here. It sure would be fun to watch ducklings hatch though.
So unbelievably cute they are!!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteWhat a predicament! I'm no help as I would want the dog to run, but oh watching a Mallard nest and have little ones...
ReplyDeleteRobin, just let Lily and the ducks work out the logistics. The Mallards need to know that Lily lives there. They will find a more suitable area or they will make friends with Lily.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is a cute couple!
ReplyDelete/Katarina
Robin, one good thing about ducks is that they eat slugs! Maybe it would be worth it to train that pair to nibble up any slimy creatures in the garden :-)
ReplyDeleteOur dog Bailey would not be impressed having to share a yard with nesting birds. One summer we had two Robins who made a nest under our deck. Whenever Bailey was in the yard they'd terrorize him by dive bombing the poor dog. He was not a happy camper.
ReplyDeleteOh they are cute, we have a pair of ducks in town. They are constantly together and can be found walking all over downtown Davis together.
ReplyDeletePS. There's an award for you at my place... /Katarina
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, I love it when the wild ducks suddenly decide to make your garden their home. (I am not sure your dog would agree with that though)
ReplyDeleteRegards
Karen
What a cute post. Yes, they make a cute adorable couple. Isn't spring fun?
ReplyDeleteThe ducks are beautiful, aren't they? You've captured them so nicely!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful photos. I knew those duckies would come back.
ReplyDelete