First week of August - FRECKLED DUCKS

In fact they are multiplying. Twenty-five at the last count. Until last month Freckled Ducks had enjoyed near mythical status at Herdsman Lake (at least for me). But three of them loafing on a log weren't the slightest bit phased by my gawking binoculars, or by the swimming Tiger Snake that brisked by their feet.

Spring is (just about) here, the Purple Swamphens are shamelessly mating, the Western Banjo Frogs are plucking their chords, and the joggers are often just down to a pair of shorts. If the water level drops, maybe we'll see the first Wood Sandpiper of the spring during the next couple of weeks.