side-by-side...

...for an afternoon stroll

is what the little - wood duck baby was doing with mama - or maybe it was papa - sometimes i get confused - about who's who with them - i was tickled pink - when i found out they'd come back - this year to have their babies - they were here last year - i suppose once they've developed a nesting ground - they return each year? i don't know - but i, and several other enthusiasts - have been waiting and watching - for the little ones to hatch - over the last days - mama has been very protective

today was a special moment - as i approached while she was sunning with just the 1 - i immediately stopped - kept my distance - did my usual muttering with her - to let her know i meant no harm - all was fine - i would come no closer - would totally respect her space - suddenly - the little one came from behind her - with a small jump - and a high pitched squeal at me - began doing a bit of a dance in the dirt - what was mama to do? they began this walk - through the grasses - allowing me to follow them - it was all i could do - to contain my utter joy - the baby is simply spittin' cute - i was left - filled up - completely - by nature - by the wonder of it all - quite easily put - it made for...

a

happy day.....