Each year we spy a wild mallard drake and duck on the goose pond. One year we saw their ducklings but it was just a fleeting view as they quickly hid in the reeds. This year the duck is accompanied by two drakes and we have been able to get closer than usual – although we haven’t seen any little ones.
The goslings are of indeterminate sex and we will be unable to identify them until the geese start laying eggs (their under carriages drop apparently) and the ganders do not.
I had a lovely time with mum at lunchtime and, as always, a good laugh. She reminded me that I am actually 63 and not, as I thought today, 61. The reason we talked about my age is that the wonderful 7 Up programme is on ITV tonight at 9 pm where children who are now 63 year old adults, have been filmed every seven years since they were seven years old. I have watched the documentaries every seven years and it was a senior moment that made me forget that I am the same age as the remaining participants. I have no doubt that some of their stories will move me to tears. Some happy, some sad.
Help please. Can anyone identify this plant that we found just now in the winter duck run?
gfreedmanblog 
Your wild flower is White Campion, Silene latifolia.
Not as common as the slightly smaller Pink Campion but both are good insect plants with their flowers and foliage which is used by insects and caterpillars of various spp of moth and butterfly apparently. I restrict the pink campion in my garden as it tends to take over, but I do like the odd white campion plant when it appears.
The goslings are growing up fast!
Mum looks happy and I am glad she reminded you of how old you actually are!
Catch up later today or tomorrow? Still not got the last calf!
Kate