Ducklings At Last

Only two female mallards on our neighbour's lake have raised ducklings this season. Weeks apart, each presented a lone duckling which I saw on the day in question and never again. I'm afraid the predators which I love to photograph are too successful. :(

I heard loud splashing amongst the lily pads this morning which turned out to be the carp getting excited. I was delighted when the mallard and her brood of nine swam into view. I do hope she manages to keep them safe from Reynard, Brock, Jack heron, corvids, coots and the wayward mallard drakes.