The story of Mrs "D"



Mrs D and her chicks



Some of the 2day old chicks

A little over 2 years ago, someone dumped some unwanted ducks at The Mere and left them to fend for themselves. Sadly, this happens more often than you would think and ducks kept in sheds do not know what "the great outdoors" is. Lots of them die..but occasionally one or two survive and thrive. Mrs D is one of those and she has succeeded against all the odds.
Not realising that her bright white feathers stand out against the brown & green background, she bravely sets up her nest each year, lays her eggs & dutifully keeps them warm and safe.Tragically, all her eggs mysteriosly disappeared - twice last year and once earlier this year when they were on the point of hatching.
However, the mothering instinct is strong and yesterday she suddenly appeared with a brood of 14 chicks only one day old!
This morning I managed to catch some of them on camera, (although they wouldn't stay still to pose) - so today is a happy day!
UPDATE..17th June...sadly, nature can be harsh..by the second day, Mrs D was only leading a group of 10 ...by this morning she was down to only 3. Its a difficult start for all ducklings at The Mere..we have so many predators..crows, herons,pike - will all have a tasty duckling snack and then of course, the wet weather will also take its toll. So cross your fingers for the remaining tiny ones.