Hannah’s family of Swedish Blue ducks have made it through their first winter at Downeast Thunder Farm. They didn’t stray far this winter, sticking close to their house much of the time.

With the snow melt and spring rains, they been enjoying the driveway puddles. Yesterday I peered out the window and didn’t see any ducks. I went out on the porch and called repeatedly for them with loud “Duckies!”. Eventually I heard a low quack and spotted them on the far side of the pond heading down the drive away from the house. I figured that they would turn around and head home for dinner. When it was time to close them in for the night, I went outside but found no ducks. I called and called and eventually heard a low quack that I thought came from the woods near the road. With rain boots and umbrella I started trudging through the brush and then woods looking for them. Nothing.

I returned home and moped. Eventually, Paul said he’d go take a look. I followed and we both went different directions down the road. I couldn’t imagine that they’d leave the property as there were no puddles to be found on the main road. I mean, where would the go?

Eventually we heard a muffled quack and I followed the sound of rustling back into the woods. And there they were, huddled under a fir tree. I circled around behind them and ushered them out of the woods where Paul could direct them towards home. Were they lost or just on an adventure?

This morning I didn’t let the ducks out until Paul helped me to string up some folding garden fence mom gave me years ago. The fencing is a bit worse for wear but I figured it would keep them close to home.

Apparently the puddle on the other side of the fence is more alluring than the pond. They immediately found an opening big enough in the fence to squeeze through and they made their way to the driveway puddle.

We herded them back into the fence. I dug out some old plastic garden netting and we cut lengths to tuck along the bottom of the fence blocking the gaps.

Then Puddles, Doddle, and Murphy spent the rest of the day exploring the perimeter of the pond area looking for a weakness.

These Swedish Blues seem more adventurous than our Pekin’s ever were. Yet, they’ve got this big ole pond. It’s like they’ve forgotten that they can swim. Here’s hoping that I’m not outwitted by a trio of ducks.

~ * ~

Fast forward to this evening. I look out the window and there are the damn ducks. On the other side of the fence in the puddle.

And once again we’re on ducky roundup. I guess we’ve been outwitted by a trio of ducks.

Back to the drawing board.