This is a photograph of Mrs Black-Ducky (unknown breed possibly a rare Pomeranian Duck or a Swedish Blue) and her 4 offspring. I first encountered her in 2020 during lock-down on one of my many mandated government hour long walks (AKA normal dog-walk) along the Caldon Canal.
words and images copyright Carolyn Trafford (2022)
At that time she was a “Miss” Black-ducky. She’s a black duck with a white breast. She was very young, a little older than her ducklings are now but had been orphaned. A local boat owner had begun feeding her bread and she visited daily.
I’ve often seen her along the canal. We have a lot of mallards and she stands out as different. It’s amazing that she went on to survive on her own and in 2021 we spotted her again with two young, one a mallard and the second another Miss Black-ducky.
Just last month we spotted her with 7 ducklings. Again one mallard and 6 mini-me ducklings, so beautiful. Its a rather sad tale because today there are just 4. Over the last couple of weeks we have watched her brood dwindle. I have seen the non native mink on our canal and I’m afraid this predator may be the cause and it does sadden me. However I’d like to focus on the positive aspects of this duck-tail. A tale about one little duckling who through her own determination to survive has grown into a resourceful young mother. We frequently see her ushering her ducklings into the undergrowth for safety, she will teach her children well.
Somewhere in all of us is a strong instinct to survive and to deal with whatever life throws at us. Last year life threw me a curve ball (please read cancer blog) and somehow we find the inner strength to either make a plan or to take life one step at a time. However you cope with the hurdles in your life, planning big or single steps – find your inner Mrs Black-Ducky and know you can do it – whatever life throws at you.
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Carolyn Trafford is a Creative Life Coach, supporting others in reaching their own goals in a creative way sine 2010. Author of “Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!” (A great way to kickstart those goals). This interactive book is available from her online shop: https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.com/Dont-Just-Dream-It-Achieve-It-Book-p196854491) . She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the 20th September 2021 following her first routine screening with the NHS at 51.
Carolyn Trafford
Artist & Creative Coach
07714 216388
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