Dutch canals and ducklings, ooops sorry baby coot in Rijswijk

 
In spring time the Dutch canals become the nesting place for a lot of birds: like the mallards (wild ducks) the coots, the geese in the Netherlands. Right in front of the entrance of my house a coot family has its nest and 3 weeks ago the 6 babies coot came out.

 
At the beginning they were black with funny red-yellow hairs (like hats) on the top of their heads...2 weeks after the colourful hairs disappear and they start to look more and more similar to their parents...The parents are now very busy fetching food (some green leave and other greenish pieces) out of the water and teaching them how to it themselves.

I made few videos as well: enjoy them:-)

Welcome to Dutch spring 2011

The spring this year is taking its time...The temperatures in Holland has not been often over 10 degrees, although we have been very lucky with the numerious spring sunshines.

The nature starts slowly to awake and some first tree blossoms and green leaves are popping out for the last 2 weeks. The ducks are also happily swimming or preparing for the little ones. Hopefully soon the warm temperatures arrive:-)

Ducks and ducklings in Holland...

When the spring arrives the canals in Holland are again full with life: a bunch of fluffy and cute looking little duckies:-)

Last week i saw a mum with her 11 little ones, a friend made a joke that she has a real football team...Yesterday I have filmed another family on water. In their first days they are so afraid and stay really close to their mum...Have a look and a good new week!

First sign(s) of spring in Holland 2010!

Finally we have got a very suuuuuuuuuunny weekend! Last week i also have discovered the first snowdrops for this spring, so it is official.

Inofficial it is still winter...In the night under the zero and the poor duckies still need ot walk/slide on ice, as part of the canals still do get frozen...
Hopefully it warms up soon:-)

Spring is in the air of ... Den Haag and Rijswijk!

I could finally smell it! The green, fresh and unmistakable taste of spring is in the air...Its been around for some weeks now, but yesterday one could enjoy it 100%: with sunshine and lovely blue sky!!!

Trees and bushes are in blossom, ladybugs are flying around, some birdies are singing, some others are already taking care of their new born little ones.
In the last pic I got one duck just after it had caught a fish for its little one:-)