Good news, relatively speaking, on the duck front. Though we had seven Indian Runners, four survived whatever accident befell the lot back on 13 January towards the end of the big freeze.

To recap: One, as you remember, was left behind. I moved the hut and her closer to the cottage. Then on Saturday 16 January, E found another one down at the lochside and we shephered her back. A week later, we got a call from the house up on the hill saying one drake was in their garden. Finally, 25 January, about a quarter mile away on the isle of Bernera, E and Able corralled another duck on the old road. Amazing, I thought.



So this quartet are getting back into the swing of things, even if none is laying any eggs just yet. They quite enjoy the company of the hens (three out of four of which are now laying -- see above), following the chickens around the house. Happier days.

Look like a duck?

PS -- Out on a walk around the point southwest of the croft last week, I came across two sets of bones that look very much like water fowl. The remains of our lot?

PPS -- apologies for no postings over the past month. Computer problems took a while to sort out.