Frozen Pond

[JohnC]

Our pond has frozen over but the two cascades keep a small area ice-free for the fish. I had to put up a set of canes with coloured plastic bags between them to deter the ducks- we don't mind the original Mr. & Mrs. Duck, as we call them, but they must have told their friends- we had 10 a few days ago before the freeze. I thought they had to land on water but they don't. They landed on the grass and  one promptly fell over and some others  flew over the canes , hovered in the air like a kestrel and came slowly down onto the water. I left the canes there for 3 days and it seems to have deterred all but the original two and one other so we don't mind that but they shouldn't really be here but it''s hard to not let them eat the fallen bird seed from the feeders in this weather. So I was able to get some shots of them about 8.30am  yesterday but the light wasn't good (800 ISO f4) and taken from the dining room through the patio doors.

I thought I better get these posted before Martin gets his snow photos up or these won't get a look in  

[martinastro]

Very nice John, the images really do tell a story of their own, evidence if evidence were needed which show how cold it's getting across the UK at the moment .

[rjgjr]

Mighty fine set of photos John. The cat looks very interested in what's going on with the residents of your pond, fish or ducks!

[paulster78]

Lovely shots John, must be great to have these two returning to your pond-without all their friends of course, be sure and keep us updated on the exploits of Mr and Mrs Duck. 

[JohnC]

Glad you liked them    I'm a softie at heart. I shouldn't do it but I put a small pile of bird seed out for them. Sometimes when I go out with seed they start quacking lol. 'Oh look, he's bringing us some seed - good-oh" The cat doesn't bother them,they're too big, I think they'd sort him out if he ran at them.

[markt]

Nice pond, nice ducks, nice pickies!!! 

[JohnMurphy]

Lovely shots John.
Funny to see ducks in your backgarden, its not usually where you'd expect them.
Looks like Mr. Cat has taken a fancy to Mr. & Mrs. Duck 

[Anton]

Love the images John, I bet you have enjoyed watching the ducks sliding on the ice good entertainment for the cat also.

Thanks

[JohnC]

I think the cat's a bit bewildered,Anton  There's barely any open water left now and after the ducks have eaten some seed they waddle across the pond to the only two unfrozen areas under the cascades and take a drink to wash down the seed-they always do this - eat seed and every now and then drink water so I'm learning about their behaviour too .