I imagined all sorts of hazards for the ducklings when we set them free - jackals and snakes, difficulty finding food, territorial neighbours... One thing I didn't worry about was traffic. We live on a farm, there is virtually no traffic. But in fact, one of the ducklings was run over. Another one was limping badly and probably succumbed to one of those hazards I imagined. The remaining three are coming and going according to some time table of their own. We're really glad they are able to find their way back here to get food. They gobble up their food and then sit around until one of them decides it's time to go back to the pan. Then off they march, one behind the other.
That's so sad - that we've lost one of "our" ducklings already. But I think I would be much too soft-hearted to be able to do what you have done in raising this little family, so it's just as well that I am a computer's distance away from them! Haven't their feathers changed!
ReplyDeleteIf it was left up to me, I probably wouldn't have let them go at all! But I could see that they were getting restive in their pen, so I had to take a deep breath.... Many years ago, our son was heartbroken when his pet dassie (rock rabbit) died and Jack told him that if you're going to look after wild animals, you have to accept that there will be losses, so I try to remember that. Yes, their feathers are amazing.
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ReplyDeleteYou are a very good " mother" of them!
I would be broken-hearted, and I think that's why I don't keep pets.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is sad. 2 sides of our human coin ! At least they still have a loving, nurturing home/yard to return to, whenever they feel hungry, etc. That, in itself, is such a blessing for them.
ReplyDeleteHopefully they are also getting stronger & smarter as they grow - besides their lovely plumage .... and we will see them grow into beautiful adults :-)
It is impossible for me not to afford any critters human emotion and character. ( ergo the mouse) Dumb, I know, but it is in my DNA, I think! So, like Maureen, I am way too soft to be a realist... You did well!
ReplyDeleteThey are so large now! They do mature very quickly. I wonder if they will continue to return and for how long.
wow you forget about cars that is sad to think on. Looks like the others are happy in their routine, it is a wonder where they sleep at night, and things like that.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that they are still returning for food, so you can keep an eye on them. They've grown so big.
ReplyDeleteSo sad about the little ducks being run over, you have given them a good home and they know where they can come back to for a good feed!
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