Thread by @EmApocalyptic

Lovelies, I've just had a chat with Dad and there are a couple of updates I thought you might like if you're following #operationmallard :) First is regarding Mr Mallard as a few of you have asked about him. I've been fixated on Mrs Mallard, so never asked him before!

So Mr Mallard is nearby! He stands on the big white bridge over the canal and they quack at each other! Earlier in the nesting cycle, they saw much more of each other - she lays an egg per day so they had to... do some lovin' daily ;) [feels so British and awkward!]

Once all the eggs were laid, he called for her on most days and they would go off for a bit of time together, when she wasn't off on the razzle with the other ducks who came calling for her. She's quite popular, our Mrs Mallard ;)

So I am correcting my opinion of Mr Mallard. He is around, but much harder to catch on camera! Dad has seen and heard him calling for Mrs Mallard from the bridge below and heard her calling back. Like: "YOU COMIN' OUT, LUV?"- "AYE, JUST A MINUTE, LET ME COVER THE EGGS!" :)

I should add - thanks to @SiameseCaroline for the question - that she lays one egg per day until all are done, and only once all are laid does she start to sit on them for hours every day. That way they all hatch on the same day :)

Okay... what else did Dad say...? Oh yes! Mindful of the duckling who fell out of the nest early on last year, he's made some rudimentary platforms so if any tumble out this year before the rest are hatched, they can climb back up to momma <3

I just melted when I heard this, and said "aaaaawwww, that's so lovely!" and Dad said "I've not painted flowers on them or anythin', Em!" and it made me laugh :)

So Mrs Mallard is currently dosing in the sun and Dad is fully prepared for the big day. The weather is terrible on Monday so we are both really, really hoping that it is going to be Wednesday plus or minus a day.
That's all for now, lots of love to you all!