The beginning of spring is in evidence here at Terra Flora and we welcome this pair of Mallard ducks to our Seven Springs pond. The pond is formed by seven natural springs in an area of Terra Flora that is deliberately kept somewhat wild and untended so as to attract wildlife such as these Mallard ducks.

Typically, the male Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a medium-sized dabbling duck with a gray body and chestnut-brown breast. (Dabbling ducks are those seen with their "bottoms up" while feeding on algae, plants, and insects.) The head is green, the neck ring is white and the bill is yellow-green. The wings are white-bordered with a metallic purple-blue speculum. The tail is dark with distinct white edges and two curled black feathers, and the legs and feet are orange. The female Mallard is mottled brown colored with a mostly white tail, has a brown-saddled orange bill and no curled tail feathers. The winter adult and juvenile resemble the female.

A female Mallard duck will remain with her chosen mate throughout the winter, mating and nesting season which approximately spans the months of October through May. The female lays on average 8 eggs in a loosely built nest on the ground, and alone incubates the eggs. The average incubation time is 28 days during which the female turns each egg every day. The precocial ducklings are able to follow the female into the water within hours after hatching.

Last year, Seven Springs Pond was the home for a pair of Mallards and their ducklings; we hope for the same experience again this year!