A morning walk today – Shows new visitors to the Mil-Mar.

The American Goldfinch are getting much more brave –
they must feel safe now. Mamma Mallard brought over the babies to show me this morning as I sat on the dock. I even had my feet in the water, splashing the warm water. Still – she seemed intent on the presentation.

Mamma seems young. She was frazzled this morning. It is July 5th. I name her babies Yankee Doodle Dandies. So far the others have shown up tiny, but not this tiny– and past chicks had some  larger than the others at my first spotting.  All of these look identical in age.  I’m wondering if the chicks were born early due to the fireworks, noise, vibrations, & extra peoples all over the lake? 2-3 Babies walk on one lily pad. My shots of them moving are blurred, they are SUPER fast!

I read that papa molts during the laying season.  I think that this guy is one of our other babies – just now loosing the last of the fuzz to show his brilliant color. How would our teen boys feel to go through this stage? Even his bill is not yet yellow.

Can’t help it – trying to show just how tiny these little ones are. Smallest batch so far!

Another little boy shedding his baby feathers.
 

We finally have beach near our yard, so now we can see who comes and goes in the morning. Raccoon washing his breakfast? Possum?

New flowers by the yard.

Sorry – Just can’t help it. They are just too cute!

I have learned that a group of mallard chicks are called by many different names – battling, daggle, doppling, lute and sword.

This female Mallard has 7 chicks in her sword. 🙂

This morning I had come out to pick up fire work remains and read. Glad I got to see the babies.
I’m praying for mountains to move right now – fig trees to perish.
I am glad the the Lord keeps my Joy Full while I wait. 🙂