A dozen Ducklings

Mallard duckling, Anas platyrhynchos

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I usually see something new at Arundel WWT. On Sunday it was twelve ducklings being ably looked after by their mum. They were swimming all over their corner of the pond when some waterfowl took off and they all panicked. Mum gave them a call from the bank and their huge feet whirred away as they paddled over to her. When they were gathered together she led them across the path and I settled down to photograph them. They spent some time feeding, then nestled under her and rested.

Blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus

female Chaffinch, Fringilla coeleb

Mallard duckling, Anas platyrhynchos

There were two pairs of Mallards by the bird feeders. This one was firmly gripping her drake by his neck feathers and seemed to be goading him to see off the other pair, which he did vigorously.

Mallards, Anas platyrhynchos

Nuthatch, Sitta europaea