Three of Nine

I had a couple of hours by the river near home this morning. Plenty of busy Dippers, and finally, my first Kingfisher of the year on that particular stretch. There were also Grey Wagtails, Song Thrushes, and even a Kestrel, and I think a grass snake swimming in the river. Sadly no sign of the Pied Flycatcher which was singing there a few weeks ago. The best entertainment of the morning was a brood of 9 Mallard ducklings. On my way out they were swimming joyously on a flat section of the river, jumping up to catch flies. As I was returning, they were just reaching the weir and I lingered to watch them "shoot the rapids" - all negotiated it safely, with a mixture of panic and excitement, encouraged by mum.