I think this is one of the toughest blips I've ever written. We've had a dreadful day. I'm afraid that our duckling Nibbler died this morning.

We're not sure what happened. When Steven fed the birds this morning he was absolutley fine. Looking a bit scraggy as he was moulting into his adult plumage, but fit and healthy, eating well and running around as normal. Half an hour later I looked out to see him staggering around and collapse. He seemed to have had some sort of head trauma, a slight bleeding from his nostrils and very, very dazed. Steven headed up to the vet with him but the little guy didn't last more than a few minutes from the house. The only thing we can think of is he has somehow collided with something and damaged himself internally.

I know some folk might think 'well, it's only a duck' but to us he was a big part of our family. The boys, especially Ruairidh are heartbroken. So am I to be honest. Which is why I'm sitting typing this with tears running down my face.

Thanks Nibbler, you gave us a Summer to remember. Taught my boys a lot of lessons in life and returned an awful lot of love. It was great to have you as part of our family even for such a short time.