Swimming lesson

Well we all have to start some place and here at Busbridge Lakes near Godalming in Surrey, this mum has a better chance than most of hanging on to her brood. No wonder she's laughing. The wildfowl collection here is protected by a secure fence designed to keep out foxes.

Busbridge is a private garden that opens just a few times each year. The birds here are bred for the enjoyment of the owners and to sell. Not that mallards are for sale. They just sneak in to make the most of this duck haven.

With all the species to choose from I didn't expect to be blipping Britain's most common duck. But this mum looked so proud, I couldn't resist it. More Busbridge birds here. Stuck now trying to identify them all.