What's New at the Ditch

It's hard to believe we are on the threshold of June and with that comes summer. I thought we'd check out the ditch on the waning days of spring.

Everything has filled in -- leaves, lily pads, grasses. The deer, rarely seen during the middle of the day, blend with their environment.

I was lucky to catch two of them at feeding time, though the second is far more elusive and not inclined to be photogenic!

They were happily munching on the leaves from the trees on their safe island in the middle of the large pond.

And they were aware, but blissfully unafraid of being disturbed.

Harry was out, too. It took some time to spot him among the lily pads.

 

On another pass as we made our circles around the pond, we saw him from a different view near the shore. 

 

Of course he wasn't alone. The red-winged blackbird was standing watch, handsome in his bright feathers.

 

And then there was Mama Duck and her eight little ones.

 

Those babies were just above a mini-rapids, swimming as fast as they could to not be swept down the rocks and into the South pond.

And they were getting some good duckrobatics in, too.

  

It was like synchronized swimming with feathers, though some had it down better than others.

These little guys are beginning to get big but they still are a little bit downy and awfully cute.

 

Mom was pretty watchful but she missed one of her kidlets who disappeared down the rocks. When she noticed she was all over it, marshaling the troops to catch up!

I wonder if I'll recognize them next time?

Of course there was some trillium...

...and one of my favorites, alium. 

All in all, a glorious day. I leave you with a farewell to Harry. 

The sun was out and he was fishing! 

I hope he had a good catch!

 

Happy trails!

Sharing this week with Monday Social.