And then there were none.

It is now New Years Day and there would be appear to be no ducklings left at all. We let the cat out late last night but then brought him back in because I noticed that mother and three remaining babies were still wandering about by the pond. We figured that maybe there were dead ducklings in the duck house and maybe they didn't want to go back in there. It was too late to investigate so we left it until this morning but now think that there are no ducklings left at all. I have consulted Father and he suggests that next time we build some sort of run so that the ducklings can get out of the water and scrat about but with the safety of a run to protect them from the other wildlife and domestic pets! Sounds like a good idea. We have been here for two years and have not yet seen a batch of ducklings grow beyond a few days. The pond has very steep sides so young ducks and moorhens can only get out by climbing up the wooden ramp which used to lead onto the back lawn which is out of sight of the house so we had assumed that the ducklings and mother were simply relocating elsewhere. It would seem now that they were simply not surviving all the general perils of duck youth. The moorhens are generally more successful and tend to manage to keep one or two young and bring them into adulthood. I have to say that they do seem to be far more aggressive and protective parents than the ducks. This time we have had the ramp coming up onto the front lawn so we have had the great pleasure of seeing the youngsters feeding and playing, and they really do play. But it has also made us realise that they are much more vulnerable than we had previously thought. We will construct some sort of run in time for the spring hatching. It is very sad to see so many young ducky lives end so soon and we are determined to do whatever we can to help them survive. I realise that they are wild ducks and as such we should leave nature to run its course but they are protected as a species so I feel it is only right that we try and protect them a little more to give them a better chance of survival.
There is no bunting update because unfortunately Katherine didn't manage to get any more sewing done as she was far too busy playing treasure hunt around the house with our New Years Eve afternoon visitors.
The girls went home today so we are back to a family of three here. Brodie is missing them so much that he is having to sleep downstairs. Either that or he is just too scared of the ghost that prowls around upstairs at night.... But that is a story for another day or night.