My boys and I took in the Dakota Zoo last weekend and, while the exhibits were a lot of fun, we also had a surprise au naturel while walking from one part of the zoo to another. In a little slough behind the main building, just south of the waterfowl pond, I spotted movement across the water. It was a procession of little ducklings followed by a protective mama! They swam a sort bit, found a nice place to come ashore, then proceeded to gather for a nice little nap.

I watched intently as they gathered closer and closer, grooming feathers and rubbing bills, until they were packed in tightly enough for comfort. The vigilant mother kept an eye on me despite the distance, and slowly little duckling eyes began to close.

Once they settled and I’d taken a LOT of photos from a couple of different angles, it was time to let them have their nap in peace and move on to see more of the planned exhibits. It was cool to catch such an unexpected display within the zoo boundaries!