Golden ducklings

There’s something wonderful about the light this evening. It’s very warm and very clear. There’s been a lot of rain recently and the visibility is high, with all that atmospheric pollution being washed from our skies. The River Lemon is running high. I see a family group approaching:

There are nine Mallard ducklings, only eight of which are in this Pre-Raphaelite photograph. I love the leading character, eating and paddling at the same time already. Unlike songbirds, which have blind and helpless young, ducks hatch into precocial youngsters, ready to take life by storm.

I was enjoying this photograph until I noticed its reflection.

And now I’m completely creeped out.