We are now around 16 days old and you will be pleased to know that we still have 8 little ones and they continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Hardly surprising with their insatiable appetites.

I was going to say it has been quite quiet this week but by the middle of the week that had all changed. Tuesday saw a brief visit from Dad. I think this is only the second time in recent years that we have had a visit from Dad once Mum has hatched her brood. Dad is nowhere near as trusting as Mum and immediately took flight when he realised we were there.

On Wednesday afternoon it became clear why he had been as some males were seen wandering around English playground and the field muttering something about rubbish directions and where is the party.



In every clutch there is that one independent soul who is a petulant teenager right from the start, is in a hurry to grow up, has to do their own thing and always knows best.

This year is no different. Little madam , back left of the photo, will not join the huddle for a nap and can often be seen in the pond doing zoomies when everyone else is having a siesta. You be you little one, everyone else is taken.



I am often asked how we know that Daphne is the same duck each year and the truth is, we have no way of knowing, but various things suggest it is.

The quad is not particularly visible from above and the pond is usually hidden by the bamboo surrounding it.

It has been suggested that it could be one of her offspring returning but remember that none of them has ever seen the area from above as they are moved to their halfway house before they can fly.

The level of trust that Mum shows in us, allowing her babies to get close to us would suggest that she has been here before. Her familiarity with the layout of the quad, the location of our office and with where the food comes from all point to a returning visitor.

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