Great photos and excellent post, Neil. I’m glad the ferns helped facilitate a special encounter with a Mallard. Ferns and a duck—doesn’t get much better. Thank you for mentioning Rock & Hawk.
Wonderful post, Neil. I’m drawn in right away with the photos and alliterative poem. Really appreciate the special shout out to James Freitas and his postings on ferns have been fascinating.
Nature truly is magical, anywhere. A mating pair of mallards visited my surburban backyard pool one sunny afternoon not long ago. In the middle of the city, it was wonderful watching them. A reminder that no matter how things get, nature's beauty preserveres.
Thanks Steph and that's an amazing experience for sure with the pair of mallards visiting. I like how your describe "that no matter how things get, nature's beauty preserveres." Well said and so true
Lovely images Neil. Mallards will often lay their eggs under a bush, I wonder if she was either looking for a place to lay her eggs or off gathering food for her chicks.
Thanks Pamela and that's a good point about nesting location. The water's edge is about 20-30 yards to her left in those photos. Lots of thick foliage and plants.
Magical!
Thanks Amaranta and this encounter definitely felt magical.
Great photos and excellent post, Neil. I’m glad the ferns helped facilitate a special encounter with a Mallard. Ferns and a duck—doesn’t get much better. Thank you for mentioning Rock & Hawk.
Thanks James and your post made me remember these photos of that encounter.
Lovely! What was she waiting for, I wonder.
Thanks Mary and I too wonder about that.
Wonderful post, Neil. I’m drawn in right away with the photos and alliterative poem. Really appreciate the special shout out to James Freitas and his postings on ferns have been fascinating.
Thanks Heidi and much appreciated! James' post helped me remember these photos from back in May 2024. :)
It’s a great example of how we all help each other learn and keep writing.
Nature truly is magical, anywhere. A mating pair of mallards visited my surburban backyard pool one sunny afternoon not long ago. In the middle of the city, it was wonderful watching them. A reminder that no matter how things get, nature's beauty preserveres.
Thanks Steph and that's an amazing experience for sure with the pair of mallards visiting. I like how your describe "that no matter how things get, nature's beauty preserveres." Well said and so true
Lovely images Neil. Mallards will often lay their eggs under a bush, I wonder if she was either looking for a place to lay her eggs or off gathering food for her chicks.
Thanks Pamela and that's a good point about nesting location. The water's edge is about 20-30 yards to her left in those photos. Lots of thick foliage and plants.
beautiful
Thank you one cloud
one word - onecloud - please :)
My apologies! onecloud
no worry
All the layers of this are so vivid, Neil. Looking through your eyes at the moment is quite beautiful🌿
Thank you Ann and it was a very memorable experience. I still look at this spot on my hikes and the memory always makes me smile.
Very nice poem Neil!
Thanks Michael!