We went for a stroll at the Pauatahanui Forest and Bird Reserve yesterday afternoon on a day that heralded summer.
The first pond offered some “Ducks are a-dabbling, Up tails all!” (The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame)….well in the third photo it is up tails all.
These were young ducks accompanied by their mother and sharing this pond with at least once other, very shy, duck family.
A Pukeko was poking about on an island in the pond but was reluctant to stand clear of foliage and with zoom at full stretch the photo is not that clear. Its camouflage is excellent bar its pristine white undergarments.
We sat at a second pond and admired the reflections and the Welcome Swallows zooming and darting above our heads.
All seemed quiet and still until out drifted this duck with her 8 very new ducklings.
Our patience was well rewarded and our reserves replenished from some time out in nature.
ordinarygoodness 
How gorgeous! Love those little ducklings!
I love their bright markings. We wished them well as we left as no doubt there will be predators lurking. I really enjoyed how they simply glided out of the stillness.
What a great way to while away some time….love those ducky bottoms, and the custard ducklings 🙂
Life has been turned up to full volume in the past two months so time in nature is such great self care. I had to LOL watching the synchronised “up tailing”!
Ahhh custard ducklings I like your description.
Such sweet wee ducklings. I love that the swallows are about, too.
No photo of the swift swallows. My Dad loved watching them when he was out walking. I think of him when I see them.