Progress report on separation

I'm sure the 5 separated boys hate it, but it's a great relief for me having the 4 girls and limping Joseph safely tucked away for at least 2 weeks, I think.  Last night I thought it might have to be 4 weeks [ducklings hatch in about 28 days] ..... couldn't find Billie-Jean when we came back from Sam's birthday party just before 9 and got the horrors again in case some predator had got in or she'd escaped somehow.  Bless, Beyoncé and Gertie went nicely into the hut with Joseph, no, I hadn't miscounted, there were only four.  After a further search and peering into the hut I finally saw her, sitting in the nest box almost hidden away - it seems she has the urge to breed, could she be Taffy's daughter?.

Now I'd forgotten to collect the eggs yesterday morning, and this Sunday morning Billie-Jean came out of the hut quite chipper and went for the food.  John went to check on the eggs because I was wavering, I was thinking I might let her breed if she wanted to  -  and with the thought of probably more drakes hatching John fetched all the eggs out of the nest box: 6 of them.  I'll keep you updated on how this goes on!

We make periodic checks on Captain's little group, it's all we can do.  From tomorrow we shall spend more time  at the far end of their enclosure, human presence is the best defence against foxes.  Ooops, just taken a look out of the window I can see Anke is outside again not finding her way back - I'll go and sort her out and then carry on here.              

She was back inside when I got there, she's not quite as daft as I thought.

Now for a few photos, first from yesterday, Saturday:

 

 
The five 'batchelors' don't spend all of their time running from one gate of the enclosure to the other, just most of it, but they do eat and preen themselves and go for a swim now and again - can't be too bad then.

Now some photos from today, Sunday.  John and I took a little walk around our "estate", also with the thought of checking up on the area where the vixen struck.

Captain and his two must have thought us dangerous, they got up and headed for their pond as soon as they saw us.  I was glad they're aware of the danger and head for safety when they see someone approaching.



The little patch of bluebells John planted for me is making a small show - I'm sure they'll spread as the years go by:

 


Going back towards the house our five intrepid boys were still trying to reach the girls - from around the back of the enclosure:

The "inmates" thought it wise as well to get out of my way as I got close with the camera, Billie-Jean escaped into the hut again.

The boys give me a wide berth as soon as they spot me - just in case I decide to chase them again, I suppose.

You will have noticed from my tone that I'm able to enjoy life and our remaining ducks and drakes again after our renewed losses.  The big cherry tree in the little pond enclosure is giving me particular pleasure at the moment, it's very thick with blossom: