When I came across this Mallard mother on my morning walk by the Avon River in Stratford, I mistakenly thought her wing was broken —

When I looked closer I couldn't believe it... I could see a wee chick peeking out from under her wing. Soon the jig was up and all were no longer in hiding. Mallard chicks can be be led to the water and actually swim within one day of birth, however it will be 49 to 60 days before they will learn to fly —

Mallard chicks can be be led to the water and actually swim within one day of birth, however it will be 49 to 60 days before they will learn to fly.