The Motley Mallards

We've had a motley crew of Mallards hanging around the Hollow for the past few weeks. 

There's a definite couple 

- Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, we'll call them - 

and then a large group that's sometimes with the couple and sometimes off on a separate pond. 

Kids? 

In-laws? 

Could it be a family reunion?

These are the Mallards who attracted Mr. Coyote earlier this week. That day (when they were almost eaten) they just put up a little fuss. 

But the instant I lift my lens in their direction for a photo, off they go. 

Good grief! 

It's exasperating!

I've managed to sneak a few shots before they fly, though, and here they are...

Oops! 

They spotted me!

A Mallard Morning

There's nothing like walking through the woods with your puppies on a crisp morning just as the sun creeps into your hollow, 

the woods around you alive with birdsong announcing Spring's imminent arrival, 

giving thanks for the glorious morning just as it is 

and then

 having it get even better...

I was fiddling with my glove when this Mallard couple first flew over.

They took me by surprise and it was a few seconds before I remembered I had my camera, worked my glove back on and snapped the shot above.

I was sighing, sure the photo would be a blur but grateful for the mere sight of them.

(It turned out much better than I expected!)

Then, guess what?

They came back, making a couple of wide circles before finally disappearing.

Alas, all I had with me was my 50mm lens, not my 70-300, 

so I've cropped these quite a lot and the resolution is pretty bad. 

This is how far they really were away from me.

I hope they were scoping out the neighborhood and found a place they like!

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Skywatch Friday