Day 23.

Wednesday. 23rd July 2025.

Well…. this is interesting…. thanks to Myrtle coming to live with us, the flock dynamics have really changed. It turns out that Myrtle is the glue we needed  “metaphorically speaking” to join our two smaller flocks together. Lots of time sitting and observing, separating them when it is going good and before it doesn’t, reintroducing them each day, it has all worked. My method for integrating birds is slow and methodical, nothing is rushed. Just like people, ducks have different personalities and can’t be forced to “like” each other.

*Myrtle is the smallest duck and is facing the gate, not the camera.

Day 24.

Thursday. 24th July 2025.

Sneaking up to the Back Orchard and peering over the gate to check on Myrtle. I must have been quiet, as Myrtle usually walks over when she sees me. The flock integrating is going really well and they are getting along better than I hoped for. Happy days.

~

A Moment in the Day Series.

This will be my third year.
Midwinter and I’m craving the everyday beauty that isn’t in your face like Springtime blossom, the abundance in the garden during Summer, or the golden light in Autumn.
For me, this time of year is all about looking for the little treasures. The beauty is still there, it’s about taking the time to see it. Hone your senses to take notice, it is so easy to get swept up in the day to day and feeling flat with everything going on in the world.
The cool air on your cheek. Grey skies become all the colours of silver. The tiniest snowbells catch your eye as you walk through the garden gate. Watching Apricot the Buff Orpington hen drinking; in those moments it is like a lesson in mindfulness.
In 2023 it was for the month of May, in 2024 my first day of the series was on the 5th July, and for 2025 I started on the 1st July.

Will you join me? Whether it is recording a photo on Insta, writing about it when you journal, or maybe it is taking a mental note when you notice the everyday beautiful moments around you.

I’ll be sharing my Moment on Instagram and in a blog post.
A moment captured during the day, calming, peaceful, that captures my heart.
A moment in the day, uplifting, something positive, as we are deep into the colder months of Winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sending Love from the Garden,

Jude x