Back together

Early on my walk I witnessed an strange event involving the duck and ducklings in my blip. I had seen them in front of me , and moved to where I could get a clear view. At the same time a mallard drake seemed to attack the duck (a Parera/mallard hybrid), and the duck turned away from its ducklings. The ducklings formed a tight little group and moved as if one in the opposite direction. 

The drake then turned its attention to another drake; also a mallard. The first mallard chased away the second during which time the duck reunited with the ducklings. By which time, the drakes appeared to become aware of my presence and departed in the other direction.

I think that the duck will have difficulty protecting its brood of nine ducklings if drakes are also a threat.

I have included an extra photo, marking the first real work in the back garden since the renovations began seven months ago