After the bath

Mrs Mallard has been enjoying the sunshine and our little pond this afternoon.  After a particularly long preening session she jumped back in for one last duck below the water, and this shot was taken as she shook off the water from her feathers.  The poor thing has been having a bit of a time of it this afternoon however, as she seems to have a particularly unwelcome suitor who does not seem to want to take no for an answer.  Fortunately he seems to have flown away (at least for now), possibly to look for a more welcoming reception.