Growing wild by the river/Qurator's Photo Quest

This post is my submission for the #Qurator’s Photo Quest Competition – Growing Wild, and I’m excited to share a tender moment I recently witnessed in nature.

Just a few days ago, while cycling alongside the Duke of Northumberland’s River,

I came across a heartwarming sight—a mother duck calmly guiding her six tiny ducklings through the water. I stopped immediately, enchanted by the scene and grateful to have my camera on hand.

It’s easy to admire the cuteness of ducklings, but their journey growing up in the wild is far from easy. Nature is beautiful, but it’s also unforgiving. Predators, weather, and human activity pose constant threats to these vulnerable little creatures. In fact, only a small fraction— sometimes as few as one in ten ducklings—will survive long enough to reach adulthood. That makes every sighting like this feel both precious and hopeful.

Despite the odds, the ducklings I observed seemed to be thriving. All six were still together, swimming confidently, and surrounded by abundant vegetation that offered both food and shelter. Most importantly, their devoted mother kept a close eye on them, guiding their every movement and standing as their first line of defense. Her vigilance reminded me of the quiet strength so often found in the wild—an instinctual resilience that’s both humbling and beautiful.

I hope that the next time I pass this part of the river, I’ll see the same little family, still together and growing stronger each day. Their journey may be wild and unpredictable, but with a watchful mother and a bit of luck, they have a real chance.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for being part of this creative, inspiring community. I look forward to seeing how each of you has captured the theme of “growing wild” through your unique lens.