There is cute and then there is really cute, and then. There is Pacific Black Ducklings.
EE and I had spent an evening in the formal gardens at Werribee Mansion in the warm afternoon sunshine.
The gardens support an ornamental lake, that on occasions has quite an eclectic mix of waterbirds. But not so much at the moment. I think the water is a little too ‘fresh’ because of all the rain run off, and the high water level doesn’t have much opportunity for wading birds.
Not so of course for your enterprising Pacific Black Duck. These birds are quite the masters of adaption to the around. While everyone else has been in lockdown or away from the area, we found a mother duck and her precious little bundles enjoying the lake practically to themselves.
At first we watched three or four scoot around on top of the water. Then another one among the reeds, then another further down the pool, and then another…
Mum decided all this water activity was good, but it was time for a sit in the dry on the grassy side of the pond.
So out she jumped and the little yellow bundles all followed behind. 1, 2, skip a few—10.
A little bit of preening, mini wing stretches and Mum decided a nap was on the list. So she settled down, and they began to position themselves under her bulging wings.
We moved to the other side of the lake, and about 20 minutes later on the way out, found that it was time for the fluff balls to take a walk over the freshly mown lawns. Funny to see them tumble about across the grass.
Click on a galllery pic for a larger view
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
What a delightful experience for you! Lovely images to accompany the narrative! The PB’s are lovely ducks!
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I think I’m getting to like enjoying just the simple moments that occur. 🙂
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Great experience and story Dave. Unfortunately, their mortality rate is very high. I hope a few make it to adulthood.
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Thanks Rodger, Yes they seem very good at having big numbers in a clutch, but it very quickly diminishes.I’m never sure if she abandons some of them as the time goes on. They really are able to look after themselves for food and general things, but there are so many hungry ravens and cats and foxes and the light, that inspite of a strong start the aren’t a lot at the end of the cycle.
Still a a species they seem to be in good numbers, none the less.
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A lovely series of images David. The level of cuteness is quite stratospheric!
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A beautiful little brood you captured David and some nice speculum shots of mom also. Yes they are great survivors the Black ducks. Thankfully they have a large brood as they can loose a few to predatore fairly easily.
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Lovely. Don’t they have an enthusiastic audience always, young and old go…” awww look at the baby ducks!’
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