'There once was an ugly duckling....'

I don't think this wee duckling is ugly even if his feathers are all 'stubby and brown' but he will certainly not turn into a beautiful swan!

Up at my local loch (big pond really) there are dozens of goslings but although there are plenty of adult mallards I've never seen any ducklings .... but there are ducklings on Maxwell Park pond and if you're lucky you can spot the little family scooting about over the water. These little babes can move at some speed. Fortunately for me this little one came out of the water long enough for a brief photo shoot.