What started as a casual family paddle across the lake.
The ducklings paddled in a tight formation, while Mum kept a relaxed distance behind — with that particular calm of an experienced parent who’s figured out the secret: the best way to watch your kids is to pretend you’re not worried at all.
No rushing, no fuss. They gave off the vibe of a family with a solid itinerary and pre-approved snack breaks.
Then Mum spotted a grebe in the distance.
Instantly, the leisurely paddle turned into a diplomatic mission. The whole squad executed a synchronized course correction and paddled over to say hello — with the enthusiasm of fans who’ve just spotted a local celebrity.
The grebe, however, clearly had other plans for the morning than unexpected social calls. But that’s another story.
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