The last two weeks have been full of life and growth. There are four different Mallard families now. The Tufted Ducks are still here, so are the Coots. Haven’t seen any sign of babies, but they’ve been extremely shy this year.
Still, last Saturday I met these little guys.
With so many single males around, there’s always someone to babysit while Mam rests a little.
The Gooseling Twins have grown every day and by the time I saw them last weekend, their personalities had begun to show. Spike is always a little dishevelled; the Princess is always fluffy.
This past week, Trixie and Norton have brought the Twins further out onto the lawn.
Yesterday, I visited again. The predators have been plenty this year. There are only two of the original duck family left.
I had been curious to see if Spike and the Princess would still resemble the names I had given them.
I no longer give them any bread. Instead, I give them seeds. Much healthier for them all, and since some sink to the bottom, will help the Twins learn to forage.
Sadly, life is cruel in nature. This is one of the last photos I have of the Gooseling Twins.
This morning I looked out the window to see the families at their morning feed. I could only see one Gosling. I’ve watched all day and finally went out to the pond. Trixie and Norton were there but only one of the Goslings. They were a little on edge, but heads ducking in greeting, they came to me. I think the remaining Gosling is the Princess. But my hands were shaking too hard so none of the photos turned out.
It’s life; the cycle of life. We’ll never know what happened to any of the babies that have gone missing; ravens, a fox. We are sad today, however, at the loss of one of the Twins.
A Canuck's Eye View 