seven

Only seven ducks returned this evening.

They spent some time splashing around, zooming up and down our pond, practising flying (above and below water).

flying underwater

They are still very much behaving as a flock, all splashing, swimming, or preening together.

a more contemplative moment

And we're now convinced the missing members have merely flown off on their own.  The zooming across the pond resulted in some definite flight-like moments, and one of the ducks actually did fly, albeit awkwardly, up out of the pond.

getting ready for bed