NEO-NATAL

Its that avian neo-natal time of the year. At the lake where I walk at lunch, a pair of Canada Geese were tending to five fluffy little offspring on the shore at the lake's edge. They were large hatchlings of beige and white, all covered with down. The parents were proud and on guard to be sure.

Not far away, a female mallard herded seven identical ducklings in the water at the lake's edge. The male had already left the brood and the heavy work for her to handle. Mother duck was moderating red cross swimming lessons.

I love walking through the maternity ward!
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