My first Mallard ducklings of 2008

I was concentrating on photographing three Pelicans who were enjoying a small stream at the Zoo, when I suddenly heard rustling near me. The grass seemed to explode into a mass of the tiniest Mallard ducklings I think I have ever seen! And SO many of them - must have been about a dozen. The female took them out on to the water, which the male Pelican did not appreciate, and in fact he attacked her. Soon, Mom brought all her babies back to the bank, right near me, which surprised me. Babies preened themselves and eventually collapsed and fell asleep, after their exciting trip!