Spring is Back in Minnesota
It's been a tough year, but the final sign that winter is done came today. Combined with the forecast of our first 50+ degree day, our mallards returned to feed under our bird feeder. For 8 years running, the same mated pair of mallard ducks has been flying in twice a day to graze under the feeder. They're the only ducks who have ever come regularly to our yard, and we've learned to recognize them by their individual markings.
That the same pair of mallards have continued to visit us daily is something my wife an I count as evidence that the world's getting on OK. Despite climate changes and economic fluctuations, our pair of ducks returns each spring. They spend their days at a small lake just a few blocks from our house, but fly into our front yard each morning and afternoon to feed. They feed, ignoring neighbors out walking their dogs and the few outdoor cats in the neighborhood.
One eats while the other one watches for danger. That's their pattern. If they have success at raising ducklings, the ducklings join them under the feeder as soon as they have fledged. But, the adults are regular customers at the breakfast and lunch counter.
Spring has returned, and the world continues.
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm in the Southern most end of Winona county, that's also in MN and we need Spring NOW. 
edit for clarification.
