Mallard Duck and Buttercups, watercolour

Imagine our surprise one morning last week when a pair of mallards came waddling up the garden, through the arbour and across the lawn to the little apple tree by the kitchen window. The duck was definitely the more inquisitive of the two, clambering nosily through the shrubs and daffodils. Perhaps she was looking for somewhere to nest?

Since then, the mallards have been frequent visitors to the large pond at the bottom of the garden. The pond is one of about 25 natural ponds found in Pebworth.