Independence Day with the Mallards

When there are no bird subjects out in the tide channels at the San Elijo Lagoon, a surprise sighting of nine ducklings following the mother duck is enough to make it a fun morning. Here are some photos of the Mother Mallard Duck and her nine chicks. She leads them into the main tide channel from the protected duck pond that is located in the inside section of the southeast trail, about 120 feet past the boardwalk of the Nature Center Loop. When they reach the far side of the tide channel, the mother duck takes flight and leaves her nine ducklings alone. With lots of predators like the Great Blue Heron, raptors and even Ravens that would love to have some for a snack, I was hoping for the mother duck to return soon. The mother returns and makes it a great ending for a beautiful morning walk and a start of a great holiday weekend. Happy 4th of July weekend everyone!

 I spot a female Mallard swimming out of the "Duck Pond" east the boardwalk.

 She is not alone...

There are nine hatchlings  following the mother duck. See the blue patch on the wing of this fairly plain duck?  That's a good way to ID her as  a Mallard.

 Yes, there is always one trailing.

 All together.

Stepping in unison.

 Adorable.

 Crossing the trail.

 She knows I am here but keeps a steady pace.

 Keeping up with mom.

 Going off the trail.

 There are now in the pickleweeds.

 Heading towards the main tide channel.

 Mom looks for any danger.

 Path looks clear.

 Keeping together.

 At the water's edge.

 Looking west.

 Looking east.

Time to get wet. The nestlings are looking down too. It must look a little intimidating to get to a large body of water compared to the tiny protected and secluded pond they just came out of.

Now they have swum over to the far shore of the tidal channel and the little ones are already foraging and looking for food. 

 Mom flaps her wings and takes flight.

 Heading northwest.

 Flies by.

 Showing that blue and white marking on the wings.

 Taste of independence! They are all alone and soft peeps are heard.

Cuties! They appear to watch and wait looking for their mom to fly back but she is gone for now.

 The leader turns and swims east. Rest of the siblings follow. Good move because there are plenty of hiding places in those reeds.

 Seemed like a hour but it was more like 15 minutes and the mother Mallard is back with her ducklings.

 Happy to have mom back, the chicks appear happy and relaxed.

 What a great sight to see on this beautiful weekend.

Happy that the ducklings are safe for now, I start my walk towards the parking lot and find the Great Blue Heron on the west side of the tide channel near the bridge looking for breakfast. Thank goodness the ducklings weren't on his menu today!

My first fireworks photos! They were taken from the bluff on Manchester Dr. overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon looking towards the Del Mar fairground. Canon Rebel, setting is on Manual, speed at 1/5 sec. , f/16,  with ISO-400 , focal length is 250.

Have a wonderful and safe  weekend everyone!