A proper rainy day - and happy birthday to Eileen!

Having moaned about not getting enough of the promised rain for the garden on Tuesday we certainly got plenty today, and it's still falling from the sky at gone half past five.

The ducklings have been having a wonderful day, they discovered what joy it is to be dabbling in puddles, wet grass, mud, and even ventured as far as the bottom of the drive.  Here are some photos:

 

I just missed catching them on camera while they were pecking leaves

off one of my birthday presents from last year, the climbing rose 'Elfe'.

If you turn the sound up on these two videos you can hear how much they enjoy "schnozzling":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0RpBo26Owg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcHeNr_9F5I

After getting them on video they came very close to me on the terrace, but when there was no food forthcoming they went off and nearly ventured up the drive!

Some of the feathers are looking spectacular, and there are lovely green shimmers on the two black ones which I'm sure are drakes - their curly tail feathers are starting to show.  The one with the white collar and chest is named as Tuts or Toots, but naming the all black one has failed so far.  I did think of calling him 'Smaragd', emerald in German, because of the green shimmer, but because of his nice shiny feathers I might call him 'Sheen' - any thoughts?
I'll have to re-think Praline's name as well, this one [second from bottom in the right hand picture]:

Carl came on a flying visit today helping me out with the compact flash memory card on my camera, and he immediately called her "Sporty" - which was our name for her after her daring escape out of the blue bath on 22nd June: