The Prodigal Ducks Return!

 

This mornings alarm call for Steve was a pair of rather loud mallards demanding breakfast.  Important to note, I sleep like the dead and I don't get up especially early, so all matters duck prior to 9am fall to him.

Unsure when they came back, they weren't here last night so assuming they appeared at first light.  This is almost certainly Duncan and Egwina.  We can spot Egwina reasonably simply as she has a bit of a distinctive walk, kind of a hop/hobble that stands out, she's also, like Duncan, rather rotund for a wild duck.  Duncan is a different thing, we can only ever assume it's him as he's with Egwina, but the giveaway tends to be how tame they are when fed, and of course, the obvious tell of knowing that sitting on the front door mat will summon a human with food.    Not sure who is the better trained here, us or them...

The pond is finally starting to thaw, but the ice has been so thick that it's not fully melted, but remains slightly under the pond surface.  This meant that when I walked past the window earlier I was witness to a pair of ducks walking on water, which really did amuse me.

Whether they stay remains to be seen.  Unfortunately it looks like we've been forecast more snow and ice for the weekend which might drive them away again.  Either way, good to see them and know they are both ok.


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