Mallard  breed on the Alphin Brook close to home and it was nice yesterday to be visited by a very proud mum and her 12 healthy little ducklings. As I sat in my rough hide waiting for a Kingfisher to appear I heard some interesting quiet sounds coming from the water but out of sight. It was a really nice surprise when she swam past, just a foot or so away with a valuable clutch. I took a few shots and a couple that really pleased me shows the ducklings jumping in the water to follow mum.  This morning before 6, I walked the brook to see if there were further signs of the KF and saw the family which had already been reduced to 11 ducklings.  Mortality is high in young ducks and most predators will be very interested in a tasty little snack like this. Even birds that perhaps you wouldn't imagine would be, such as Magpies and Crows.  For example, yesterday a Carrion Crow seemed very interested in them.  I watched one crow follow the little flotilla down the stream half expecting it to take one in front of my eyes. This would not be in the slightest bit unusual, I have even seen carrion Crows grabbing and killing Starlings in  So, meat eaters they definitely are.