Yesterday afternoon, the four new ducklings settled into their pen, then got straight out again!
As I was trying to herd them back in, Gutsy9 followed, extremely curious, but also jealous as she kept biting the bottom of my jeans as if to say, “hey, what about me?”
The gang welcomed the ducklings with a chorus of gleeful honking, then quieter little sighing sounds. Predictably, Godfrey, the head gander, hissed at me threateningly. He has very strong paternal instincts!
But the happiest of the gang was Zaruma, our only remaining duck. His mate, Tapper (the one who used to actually scale the yard fence and get out), was killed by a fox last year, so he has been very lonely. His joy was amazing; he can’t quack for some reason but he was madly wagging his tail. He’s the one on the right with the red face.
The alpacas, Uluru and Okami, settled protectively on the other side of the fence.
Even Baby Turkey became interested in a pecking sort of way.
Woodroffe and Diamond exchanged raised eyebrows.
The ducklings were very curious about the peachicks.
But they were much more interested in their first swimming lesson.
jmgoyder 
What a wonderful series of photos! It made me happy to look at them – and not just the little ones,but all my “friends”, especially that fancy Woodruffe! Thanks so much for sharing. They’re great!
I just hope they survive!
I concur these are great photographs. I love the expressions captured. Amazing how the ducklings are welcomed by the other species. And they are so cute. Good work!
Haha – I just commented on your post!
Aha it’s the middle of your day and toward the end of mine… 🙂
babies bring everyone together )
Yes, I was worried they’d be pecked but instead they are loved by the others!
I love these pictures! What a wonderful family of feathered friends.!
Even the peacocks are cawing to keep crows away!
Whose job is to protect the little ones….? Diane
I am leaving it to Godfrey because I have learned the hard way that human interference is not a good idea (except for G9 who was abandoned).
I love hearing about your birds!
I love talking about them!
You have a lot of birds!
I love them so much!
I know you do! Who is the biggest bird lover, or who did it first? You or Ants?
Me!
I suspected that. ❤
Ha!
brilliant little guys, and so happy they are a hit with the gaggle of elders…mostly. enjoy jules
It’s so delightful! Just hope they survive.
crossing fingers and toes for you…hope so too.
Great photos, Julie.
Isn’t it amazing how all the rest of the Gang welcomed them. I do so hope they survive and the others protect them.
Me too – they keep squeezing out of the yard!
How wonderful! after the sadness of people passing in your life and mine, it is a joy to see new life. They sure are intriguing the others in the yard!
Yes – so true Jane xx
Thanks for sharing these lovely photos. I can feel how they will bring some fun and joy into life.
I’m about to go out now and check on them.
That was a very packed first day on the farm for the ducklings! Super that they were welcomed so kindly to the flock. Wonderfully caught by you.
Ming asked me why I got four instead of two and I said that I wasn’t sure how many would survive – fingers crossed. I have become pragmatic.
With nature red in tooth and claw, you have to be.
How wonderful, Julie! I love all the photos and what wonderful names everyone has! You have such a gift for describing everyone” s reactions and what’s transpiring…have you ever thought of writing a children’s book about your farm family? I think it would be charming….
I was thinking the same thing! Thanks Lori.
You should do it! 🙂
Need better photos or an illustrator.
I’ll bet you could find someone to help you in that regard without too much trouble…
New life!! It is always such a thrill!!! And these little fluffy babies are adorable!!
I have to not love them too much just in case they don’t survive – weird feeling.
I hadn’t even thought of that!! Definitely must be a weird feeling..
Your descriptions of their reactions seem to be spot on! I laughed at the shared raised eye brows. And I was happy for Zaruma!
Zaruma is ecstatic!
Family, we all need one. 🙂
Oh how wonderful, I had forgotton what a menagerie you have out there.. and the pea chicks are well too? That is excellent. You are booming out there. The ducklings are such lovely wee creatures.. Lovely life full post.. c
We lost all of our chooks due to foxes so I am going to get some more but keep them penned – fingers crossed.
Wonderful photos. So sweet. Stay safe little ones.
Fingers crossed!
Julie
Hope you are keeping well.
Please wish Anthony happy birthday for me.
sorry to hear of Mingus problems.
Hope it works out well.
Regards nick
Thanks NIck and love to Amelia – will ring you soon. We are getting Ants home this afternoon. xxx
Lovely birds. The birds here are starting to sing in the morning when it is still pitch black. The nests will be built soon.
Will your birds be safe from predators?
I love these pictures, Julie! I’ve missed your water fowl. By the way, your duck is a muscovy and the males never quack. The males can hiss and the female is capable of a very low short quack. Darling!
they are so adorable!!!!
Great photos and so glad the other birds are welcoming.
Wonderful, Julie … love the photo where all the different birds is paying their attention to the duckling – wonderful … that is a fantastic shot … like it’s the biggest event of the year and the ducklings are just so lovable. You have some truly wonderful birds on the farm. Thank you for sharing the bird lives with me.
It is so much fun!
*smile
What a joy these pictures are! Thanks for putting a smile on my face, Jules. x
Julie, It’s nice to see that life on the farm is getting back to normal. The ducklings are curious little things, and being the city boy I have been all my life, I just see the piles of poop on the golf course, from years gone by. But they are cute. I also like how the protection seems to cross the species, that’s cool. Take care, Bill