Visit 8: May 13, 2010, 4:45 pm

OBSERVATIONS:
--We found the ducks again on the bank of the canal, this time very far east, almost to the Hillview entrance. Their camouflage was most impressive.
--We circumnavigated the pond again and found the pair of female mallards on the west side just north of the footbridge entering the water.
--We had another interesting conversation with a frequent park-goer and are gathering enough anecdotal, experiential evidence to estimate the ducklings' age. Based on this park-goer's recalling seeing nine ducklings two weeks ago, and yesterday's recount of seeing approximately 12 ducklings three to four weeks ago, we can estimate that the ducklings are approximately one month old.
--Resident surmised that raccoons were preying upon ducklings.

Visit 6: May 12, 2010, 4:45 pm

OBSERVATIONS:
--Once again, Banyan was the ultimate duck spotter. Mama and her five ducklings were in a great hiding place on the north bank of the canal leading to the pond's east bank.
--Ducks slept for a few minutes keeping a cautious eye on us. Mama and one duckling snuggled up higher on the bank, four other ducklings, including one with hurt left leg, below.
--Ducklings periodically panted due to heat.
--Duckling with hurt left leg awkwardly slips into the pond.
--Other four ducklings and mama followed, approaching Banyan and Benjamin for food. They threw grass, which was sampled several times before load reproachful quacks from mama.