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Look closely...My brother couldn't get too close to his not-to-be-opened-soon pool, because he already has visitors. This is a Michigan mallard, and her 12 babies. She and the Mister have been in Brother's yard and pool since the snow was melting. Even then, Brother and his wife suspected there might be babies, but, nahhhh....
Well, they were very surprised when last Sunday afternoon, they noticed that Momma had returned, with her brood, all in the pool. This was the first that Brother had seen the babies, and they don't look like newly hatched babies, to me or him.
The winter cover is still on, so in the next two pictures, you will see that Brother had to build a ramp in order for the babies to get out of the pool. Momma can fly out, but babies were stuck.
Babies all got on, and then decided it was a good spot to nap. All that swimming must have made them tired! At first nobody, including Momma wanted to get near the 'ramp'. But once Momma realized it was OK, she let the babies explore, and now all is well.
Momma is resting while babies rest, but she is out of the pool.
Ain't life grand?!! I think my Brother and Wife will be busy for a few weeks, making sure the ducks enjoy their stay, keeping their supply of food adequate, and cleaning up after them! Needless to say I'm sure he will have quite an experience, but I'm not sure I'll volunteer to help open the pool, rather late, this June.
Some things just can't wait until Fall to blog about. This is pretty special.
12 babies?! I've never seen so many Mallard babies before. The most I've seen was 5, and that was at our old condo where the plant life and water were plentiful. Is that a standard occurrence where you all live?
Tell your brother to go to a big city, stand on the street corner of a major intersection, and hold a sign saying "Have 12 ducks to feed. Need Help! God Bless"
I was the one who spotted them! I was so surprised... And reallly frightened of scaring the mom and/or making her mad [which she inevitably did]. It was amazing. Even Drew, who normally isn't into that sort of thing, was totally enthralled...
Tiffany, You haven't been to Michigan to see all our lakes, not including Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. L. Michigan is closest to Grand Rapids, but MI has hundreds of lakes, hence LOTS of ducks and Canada geese. But Brother's house is really in the city. These ducks may have been passing over, and saw open water.
Large clutches of fowl, I think, are common in Michigan. I know when I see small numbers of ducklings with parent ducks I always wonder if some had been done away with by 'something' like a turtle or hawk, eagle, etc.
Amy and Drew are Brother's children, older kids who, I am impressed with saying, are apparently getting a charge out of this, too. Way to go, guys!! In fact, Amy is a newlywed, whose husband is in Iraq, in the service for Uncle Sam. And Drew really likes his guitar and music...Ducks probably aren't his 'thing' but he sees how special this is! Thanks for sharing, all.
Life is so much better with some one else to care for!