LET’S look at that picture again. I knew these birds would be photogenic but they are beautiful.
This image reminds me of an old vogue cover I once saw, all the models in a tableaux with soft light and perfect expressions of disdainful distance from the proceedings.
I have to be careful though, as they take fright at my appearance unless I move very carefully and slowly. But yesterday when I was taking to my guests on our farm tour, we were all standing next to their tub, I noticed that after a while they began to respond when they heard my voice taking its turn in the conversation. Their black bird eyes would lift in unison, their heads would tip on the side to look up with one eye then they would all lean into the sounds of my voice. Like the bubble of a cockle as a small wave recedes across the beach. The intention of a surge. When I stopped making words they would tuck their heads back in again.
The Khaki Campbell ducks are not known to be over friendly, I think they are more of a working duck, but I found this recognition from these little birds really uplifting. This connection across species.
These pigs spent most of yesterday sleeping. Not being used to having so much space, they kept to their little house. They came out to eat though and have established a toilet on the other side of their field which must be a relief. Later in the evening I could hear them playing with one of their old barrel toys so that was a good sign.
Poppy started throwing her bowls around yesterday so I got her playground semi-baby-proof, blocked all the holes I could find and let her and the piglets out to play. (Now we get ready for escapees). Within minutes of the big gate opening they were all out there digging in the soil. Then she lay down and fed them in the sun. It is such good soil out there too but never gets long enough to grow a decent pig pasture. This year I will plant trees along the border.
I will get going early this morning. Yesterday I ran out of time in the afternoon. I blame egg deliveries and having to drive out to buy the seed. Anytime I leave the property I feel like I lose hours.
We will sow the new field this morning. Hay grasses and oats. Two acres.
I hope you have a lovely day.
celi
WEATHER: Cloudy but warmer.
Saturday 04/21 0% / 0 in
Generally cloudy. High 57F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night 04/21 0% / 0 in
Cloudy skies. Low 39F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Sun
6:04 AM 7:39 PM
Moon
Waxing Crescent, 34% visible 10:44 AM 12:49 AM
The Kitchen's Garden 
54 responses to “FOWL VOGUE”
OOOH! AWWWW! What a joyous place to be!
Lots going on now!
Why have those hogs never been outside???
Most show hogs are raised in special hog buildings in small pens.
Well that’s a shame, I’m glad they found you!
Lifting my glass to the new field. Cheers!
“… Despite popular misconceptions of skittish or flightly behavior Campbells are a very gentle, passive and friendly breed when raised by hand until maturity… ” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaki_Campbell
They’re like a brown variation of Mallards, Celi? I can barely wait to see them all grown up… (Meanwhile these sweet little fuzzies are SO darn cute!: )
Yes- I have spent time on the internet researching them too.
I know next to nothing about “domestic” duck breeds; but we had Mallards when I was a kid and they hold many sweet memories: )
Beautiful pictures of the ducks. When you described the ducks reactions when you spoke I was reminded of the Bible verse from John 10: “My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me” All your animals know your voice.
That is a lovely verse – thank you.
your voice is imprinted and soon your face will be also!
Hopefully they stay with me – I would hate them to scatter and fly away when they finally come out into the fields
I am rather fond of ducks. I would enjoy seeing them hatch and grow so.
My three KCs come when I call them. You will find the ducks identify strongly with you as their care giver. As you have discovered, they already recognize you. KCs actually love company but…no touching! They are very skittish and will dart away when approached, even by their caregiver. At the same time, they will follow you around the yard like puppies, especially if you are turning over rocks so they can look for bugs! KCs are a mixed breed, a combo of mallards, Indian runners and Rouen. I’ve always felt their stand-offishness was largely due to a remainder of wild protective instinct.
Those soft browns are so lovely. I hadn’t remembered the orange beans, though. I think it will be fun if you get at least one male. It’s so interesting to see how they develop differently and change colors.
I shared some duck eggs the other day with our Vietnamese neighbors. I wonder if they liked them.
Wonderful images Celi .. and you are so right, those ducklings are beautiful