Khaki Campbell ducklings waddling in the grass.

Today we heard a ruckus outside one of the ground floor windows — the sort of ruckus that involves a lot of quacking. When I looked out to discover the cause of the commotion, I was delighted to find that one of our Khaki Campbell ducks had managed to hatch all six of the eggs she’d been setting on for the past month.

After sternly lecturing her ducklings on the ways of the world, she showed them off to the rest of the flock, who seemed proud to accept them into their family. Our drake got a little too close, though, and received a bite for the misdeed. Although they had an hour or two to explore the grass, buttercups and farm yard, we did bundle them into a safer haven — and none too soon, because a bald eagle came to investigate the new arrivals as we transported them.

Khaki Campbell ducklings having a conversation with Mama Duck.

Khaki Campbell ducklings waddling in the grass.

Today we heard a ruckus outside one of the ground floor windows — the sort of ruckus that involves a lot of quacking. When I looked out to discover the cause of the commotion, I was delighted to find that one of our Khaki Campbell ducks had managed to hatch all six of the eggs she’d been setting on for the past month.

After sternly lecturing her ducklings on the ways of the world, she showed them off to the rest of the flock, who seemed proud to accept them into their family. Our drake got a little too close, though, and received a bite for the misdeed. Although they had an hour or two to explore the grass, buttercups and farm yard, we did bundle them into a safer haven — and none too soon, because a bald eagle came to investigate the new arrivals as we transported them.

Khaki Campbell ducklings having a conversation with Mama Duck.

Gravenstein blossoms kisses by water droplets.

For the past week, the view out our bedroom window has been the pink-tinged Gravenstein buds swelling and unfurling, suffused with sunlight and drenched in rain. The pear trees and cherries are in full blossom as well, wreathing the whole farm in a warm white glow and a promise of generous crops come midsummer.

Gravenstein blossoms after a gentle rain.

Gravenstein blossoms kisses by water droplets.

For the past week, the view out our bedroom window has been the pink-tinged Gravenstein buds swelling and unfurling, suffused with sunlight and drenched in rain. The pear trees and cherries are in full blossom as well, wreathing the whole farm in a warm white glow and a promise of generous crops come midsummer.

Gravenstein blossoms after a gentle rain.