It took her long enough!

Here comes Mama Hen with her Mallard chicks close behind.

I’ve been patient, I have, but I’d given up hope at ever seeing chicks this season when what do I see, a proud hen with six cute, little ducklings. It took her long enough.

She wasn’t the only one with chicks in tow. Another hen arrived a few days later with a few older ducklings, and they had a lot to say to the adult ducks when they arrived. Two of them didn’t hesitate to blend right in with the flock, leaving siblings and Mama to fend for themselves.

“Hey, that’s my corn!”

Mama kept a close eye on them as they chowed down on the cracked corn.

I’m sad to report the six little chicks didn’t last very long, and soon Mama Hen was down to five.

And then two.

Maybe it was losing most of her brood that made her so protective, but their mama kept a tight reign on them when they were feeding with the flock.

Hearing about all the fun, a third hen brought her slightly older, pre-teens to the party.

All-in-all, I’d say it was a successful breeding season.

Thank you, Goddess. Blessed be :}