"If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, we have at least to consider the possibility that we have a small aquatic bird of the family anatidae on our hands."

- Douglas Adams

This is a time of year I look forward to every year, the joy of happening upon a proud new mother and her happy brood cannot be beat. This young mother duck was particularly pleased with her brood, but also watchful due to the closely located eagles nest with its own hungry chicks nestled within. It will not be easy for her to protect her brood until they reach maturity, something we have to keep in mind when documenting nature. It isn’t always sweetness and sunshine.

Parenting isn’t easy, nor are we guaranteed success. Parents are subjected to a great deal of disrespect and under appreciation. Despite this the majority of parents sojourn on, like their own parents did for them. Doing what is right for their offspring, often making sacrifices out of love and duty for no financial reward or with no alternative motive. Most parents unselfishly provide children with shelter, food and protection from predators in the most natural and healthy way possible and this is one of the natural phenomenons that we would be wise to preserve and protect.

© TS Ni hUiginn