It has been quite a busy week. In those moments where I just want a break, I have been very thankful for the return of the Australian Wood Ducks which are back after spending the Summer elsewhere.  For some reason, they seem much more relaxed near the house, which is fantastic. It has given me an opportunity to observe them more closely.

The size of the group varies. We have had two ducks, four ducks, five ducks, seven ducks, eleven ducks, and on one occasion, more than thirty-five ducks!  The core size of the group seems to be somewhere between four and seven ducks.  The spend their day picking food on the lawn, swimming in the dam, sleeping in the shade beneath a tree, and working out who is dominant by chasing each other around. They are endlessly amusing and so very beautiful to watch.  I just love their plumage.

Seen alongside Cockatoos, I found it surprising to see they are around the same size.  So compared with many ducks, they are quite small.  I know that over the next few months the ducks will begin to pair off and prepare for the breeding season.  I can’t wait to see the next batch of ducklings in Spring.