Feathers

I finally found a use for the 40 ducks that moved into our garden at the beginning of last winter. They appeared because we have been feeding the wildlife (including the little birds) ever since we moved here 25 years ago. We didn’t have a problem with them and just put down more feed. Sadly, a lot of the other wildlife did have a problem and moved on. So, we are stuck with them for better or worse. The worst bits are the constant fights over the females and the feathers all over the lawn. Our garden looks like an explosion in a duvet factory.

On the plus side, they can be entertaining and ever since I bought them a paddling pool, they have kept us amused by splashing around in the water. It’s also nice to see them gathering at the back door mornings and evenings. I know they are only waiting for food, but it’s not something they did in the early days. It’s as though they finally trust us enough to call this place home.

During the most severe part of the lockdown, I was getting desperate for things to photograph. Noting the lovely detail in some of the feathers spread around the lawn, I collected a few and took them indoors. My set up was basic. An empty litter tray lined with an old brown sheet and filled with water. I opted to use the bathroom as it is one of the few places indoors where I can shut out the cats. It also gets some lovely soft light mid-morning.

The photoshoot wasn’t without problems. Having left the majority of the sheet draped around the litter tray on the laundry basket, I failed to spot the water seeping along and dripping on the carpet. Thankfully I finished before things got too bad and at least I had a few images as a result.