Mildred Mallard had her babies

Mildred the wild mallard made a nest in the pasture and we thought she'd never make it through the incubation period alive. But last night she brought 8 little fluffies to the pond and took them out on a pallet. They all hopped up and she sqatted and held her wings down to try to cover them all. I took food to the edge of the pond and she brought them over and they had a bit of a snack. Then she took them back to a pallet to sleep. Later I couldn't see whether she was still on a pallet and I haven't seen them at all this morning. So we are worrying but how lovely that she brought them to show us last night. I hope she is just sitting somewhere hidden with them and we will see them later. Bingo, the neighbor's muscovy cross, does like to chase Mildred and of course, our Muskerman likes to herd babies so she may have decided to locate in a different pond. But then again, this is the place with the good food and the friendly waitress!

-Chick Mom