Commentary, nature, Photography

Duck Duty

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While visiting our nearby Japanese Garden a couple of days ago, I saw a male duck sitting very quietly on one of the platforms set into the garden pond for the placement of a sculpture or plants.

When I got closer, I could see that there was a depression in the platform where the dirt had been pushed away and I realised that daddy duck was incubating his offspring.

Ducks form seasonal pair bonds that last until the males have to leave to find a protected spot to do their molting, usually after the young ones hatch.

The ducks have been in a bit of upheaval because their favourite little creek has been running high (a situation that’s improving for them), but this duck seems to have settled on this spot for his family.

Happy Monday. Have a ducky one.

nature, Photography

Pond Carp

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There are some very large carp in Penticton’s Japanese Garden pond.

They’re probably about 3.5 kilos (about 8 pounds), so a very healthy weight.
They’re fed well, both by the city and also by lots of people who come by for a visit. They usually swim right over for their treats.

It has been quite warm at 30°C (86F), so the pond carp are lingering in the shade and around the cooler fountain water – even when there are yummies to be had – so they must be uncomfortable.

Happy Sunday.

Sometimes, life is like that.