Ducks in a tree At the beginning of May, we noticed that a mallard was nesting in the hazelnut tree near the house, about five feet off the ground, (the duck and the drake had been on the pond, and lawn, several times before). The eggs hatched on 31st May, after incubating for about a month we saw duck and family on the lawn, and then in the pond. We managed to shepherd mother and eight ducklings through the garden and into the Bury meadow, where they were joined by the drake, at a distance. They were last seen heading for the river. Arthur & Carole Alderton
Although we generally think of ducks waddling on the ground or happily swimming in water, apparently, it is not unusual to see them in trees. The Mandarin and Wood ducks are known as perching ducks and spend a good deal of their time in trees. In fact, the Wood ducks have sharp claws to help perch on branches. Both species are known to nest in holes in trees. As with the pictures above, the Mallard can also be seen nesting in trees. However, for the chicks getting back to earth can be a little tricky. See the YouTube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkBSkFyUyv0
Nature Wind in the Willows
A Chain of Wild Flowers’ would like to issue a very public ‘thank you’ to you wonderful folk who helped us achieve our aims regarding ‘Wind in the Willows’. David Atkins, you are a star, loaning us fete equipment and for tirelessly fielding my many queries and helping set up and close down. To Graham at the Sports Centre for answering more queries and providing access to your superb playing field. To Keith Rudge from The Parish Council for enclosing our plot. To the many helpers, including members of The Co-op, Wendy Oakley, Britta and Max Heinemeyer, Hilary Marsh and the Guides. Amanda Truman and her friend Amanda. To Dave Catley for rushing around with his car stuffed to the roof, providing the burgers, sausages and baps, the loan of the BBQ and to Emma and her partner for cooking. Thank you to my son Martin for transporting said BBQ. Thank you to ‘Joint Venture’, aka George and Jenny, for providing superb music. Finally, thank you to the custodian of our great pavilion hope we didn’t make too much mess. I had a few memorable moments such as reading some of the sometimes poignant messages the children hung on the Wishing Tree, being thanked by two little girls for letting them see the play (congratulations to their parents for bringing them up to be so polite), and to watch a friend who wrote poetry way back when, read by heart some of her work, and watch her blossom before our eyes. I loved hearing Clare read her poetry, and also Sarah; loved hearing poems read in German and French, then translated into English by another personal friend Sheila Thomas, to hear Britta’s delightful short story, and to listen to the magical, unaccompanied singing by Marie Archer. It was great to hear Liz Williams tell the story of the wild flowers. A little feedback. Mr Jonathan Baynes, the beekeeper, was pleased with the number of interested people asking about bees, and so interested to see the hive, complete with occupants. Paul from The Wildlife Trust said it was a joy to meet children who expressed so much interest, and came back repeatedly to ask more questions well done Hedgehog Class from Melbourn Primary School. The folk from ‘Hearing Dogs for the deaf’ were very impressed with the site. After having had a long walk along the riverbank, they described the area as ‘a good dog space’. Lastly, ‘Wild Ivy’ entranced the children (and adults, well, me anyway!). Their facial expressions and movement so good they didn’t really need costume.
We had a fulfilling day. You all saw us through. Thank you. Yvonne, Clare and Liz. Yvonne Chamberlain ‘A Chain of Wild Flowers’
melbournmagazine
43
