This morning, like most, started about 5:30 with my canine crew asking to go out back for a quick potty break. I stumbled to the door, let them out, and then noticed they were not heading straight to the grass. They were standing around the pool watching something with more than idle interest.

I looked more closely, and there was a Mallard mom with her 4 new babies.



A bit of history, most pools in Florida have a screened pool enclosure -- as did ours until the Hurricanes of a few years ago tore it down for the 3rd time since we moved here in 1989. Linda and I figured that if God didn't want us to have a pool enclosure, then who were we to argue.

So we put up a fence which created a nice area for the dogs to potty. Shortly thereafter, a pair of Mallards discovered the "wildlife preservation pond" in Hunters Creek and began visiting. Sometimes they came singly. Most often as a pair. Sometimes they brought a friend.

We always wondered why they felt so comfortable here with the dogs that pay them a fair amount of noisy attention but they've come back every year.

This year, mom brought the babies for their introductory swim. I guess she felt it was safer than the retention pond areas on the golf course with alligators and an abundance of Red-tailed Hawks. The Rotties are a little offended that someone would realize they are more bark than bite but they're dealing with it. Annie and Rowdy both investigated the ducklings but then went about their business. Annie seemed satisfied that mom was doing a good job with her babies.

My one concern is how mom is going to get the ducklings out of the pool. But I've erected a floating ramp which will work once she figures it out. If not, I have a long net and we'll assist.

One more shot of the preservation area.



Enjoy,

Jim