The last three springs a pair of Mandarin ducks have toured the valley diligently inspecting every tree hole and nest box. Or, rather, the female inspected every hole and box while the male sat on an adjacent branch looking like Mr Average on a shopping trip for curtains.
I’ve no idea which tree they eventually chose but, happily, this week three ducklings were on the Hollins Hall Golf course pond.
Roger W 23/6/19
Friends of Gill Beck Valley 