Mr. Mallard resting upon a log.
I noticed him while driving down the Cutoff, stopped the car, pulled my camera out, rolled the window down and took his photograph. He seemed quite content sitting there. I rolled the window up and off I went, noticing a resident of the house across the way. He was watching me watching Mr. Mallard. It was when I downloaded the photo that I noticed Mr. Mallard’s reflection in the murky pond. Both Mr. Mallard and his reflection, contemplating a growing family, perhaps, and listening to a full chorus of spring peepers, who were practicing for their evening performance.
Sometimes, the rehearsal is better than the actual performance.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
I do hope there is a female around so you can watch the babies on your travels up and down the Cutoff. We have 5 white ducks now in our slough and are keeping a watch for ducklings. In years past we had a female with 14 ducklings who came for bread every day. There was a little girl 6 years old across the slough who fed them so much that they imprinted on her and followed her all over her yard! That was such a treat and made for a chapter in Nature Notes from Lakeview Point. Spring is full of surprises if we look for them.
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There is a female around, Marilyn. This seems to be the same pair that come back each year and I there have been ducklings in the past, so, hoping for some this year. This is a marshy area (which I call a pond). When we have heavy rains, it sometimes overflows onto the road and I fret about them as they paddle about. Lately, I only see one at a time, so, must be a nest somewhere.
White ducks! That must be so lovely to see. Keep me posted, please, on sightings of babies.
How cute – and such a special chapter in Notes from Lakeview Point. What a special memory for that little girl (love that) Right you are, my friend spring IS full of surprises.
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I’m starting to feel a little concerned about you keeping your eyes on the road, Penny. LOL! You do seem to have a very quick eye to finding the best little hidden animal and bird friends. I would love to hear your peepers, my friend!
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Haha! I think poor Tom has the same worries about me. I knew the mallards were back and have seen ducklings in the past, so, know to look. The neighbors must recognize my car with its sudden stopping and backing up, a camera looming out of the window. 🙂 The peepers have been quite vocal this year. I was worrying as the past several years there haven’t been as many. This year, YIKES, they are very vociferous everywhere they reside. A good sign.
Hope all is well with you, Debra. Think I saw that you have a post up, so, will check in a bit.
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Love that touch of green against the grayness. A very striking photograph, Penny.
I love watching baby ducks in the spring! I hope you can see them. The geese have run the ducks away in my neck of the woods. I miss the ducklings.
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Thank you, L. Marie. The moss was what first caught my eye – then the mallard. 🙂
I’m hoping I see some ducklings as well. I noticed two geese gaggling around yesterday. Hope they don’t interfere with the ducks. Ducklings are so cute.
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Really lovely photo and story, Penny. I hope you’ll keep documenting this bunch. I love this time of year, with all the little bird babies.
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Thanks, Andra. I will certainly endeavor to. I’m hoping to see ducklings someday soon. It was in the 30’s today. Brrrrr! I’m sure Mr. & Mrs. were keeping each other warm. 🙂
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The green stands out against the monochrome of the trees. You are gathering signs of spring. They must be so welcome.
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Indeed, they are most welcome, Juliet, and the signs are coming slowly, but, coming none-the-less. The grass is now green and the trees are leafing out. We did have freezing temperatures last night, but, the sun is shining today.
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Perfect serendipity and a truly splendid photo, Penny. I really love it. 🙂
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I hadn’t thought of this as being serendipitous, but, I guess it was, Perpetua. Thank you.
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Another beautiful photo Penny, you’re so good about having that camera always ready!
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Thank you, Janet. I’ve learned to take it with me along with my driver’s license. 🙂 which I may need for my sudden stops at ponds and among trees.
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