It’s a Ducks life!

Murky old morning today….damp, slightly drizzly. The ducks seemed to like it though, they were mainly in the bottom pond chasing each other around and dunking themselves under the water. They seem to gather in small groups this time of year, with about six females and one male. I wonder what’s going on there!!? Lol. Occasionally you will get another male fly in and try to take over the harem. The resident male will attempt to chase him off while the females float on the sidelines with apparent nonchalance. These ducks are Mallards, we raise them on the Estate for shooting, although every year we have a lone Male Mandarin duck that flies in from somewhere to try and gain a few female followers. His colour is magnificent, so vibrant. Alas though he is not up to the female mallards liking, so always ends up flying off with his dignity and manhood deflated. Poor fella!

Male Mandarin Duck

Male Mallard Duck