July Journal...from the archives
Finally, the ducklings appear. From out of the early morning mist, I catch sight of a mallard with her brood of eight. The young are nearly full-grown. I do not know where she has been raising them, but her choice of sanctuary on the pond was certainly the right one. It is rare to see so many hatchlings from one mother, rarer indeed for them to have survived so long. I believe her arrival in our arbor marks their passage to independence within a week or two. Perhaps she is introducing them to the other residents here and to the place she was born and raised herself. It is a welcome sight.
July 3.5
On the eve of the 4th of July.