Cygnet & ducklings

Cygnet looking cygnet-ty.

Ducklings though, in the 2 extra photos - is it possible for one duck to have 18 babies all at once? There was one adult female and one adult male duck 'swanning' (?!) around with 18 little ones. Is that even possible? Do they do shared child-care? Duckling parties? Is there an EU directive on this matter?

But on an even wetter note, as I began the packing for No.3Son's Year 6 School Journey, I found his walking boots full of water and wet sock. I think it might be easier to break into Buckingham Palace than it is to dry sodden walking boots in 16 hours. But I'm giving it a go ....