Wild ducks and tomorrow both come without calling. —Russian proverb
It was a happy surprise on a Monday morning to have this mallard couple stop by our backyard for breakfast. I’m fairly certain this same pair returns to our neighborhood each spring to nest, after wintering down south. While we may not be able to travel so far or visit with others right now, it’s always nice to be included in someone’s day. Even a duck’s.
I managed to take a few pictures covertly before they moved on for their morning duties. While they’re not wildlife photographer-caliber, I like that the imperfection of the images above feels like watercolor, unexpected artworks painted in our own backyard. Ducks are far more beautiful and complex in real life than cartoons would have us believe.
Here’s to beautiful wild ducks and tomorrows.