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Two greedy mallard ducks are here.

    They’re knocking on my door.

I’ve fed them once this morning

    But they’ve come again for more.

 

They live their lives in Ilkley but,

    When they need to feed,

They know which home to visit

    To get their tasty seed.

 

Perhaps you won't believe me

    But the duck whose name is Co,

Has been returning to our house - oh yes -

    For thirteen years or so.

 

His partner died two years ago -

    They were such a faithful pair -

And it’s sad to see him come alone

    And his Dilly Duck's not there.

 

Their daughter’s name is Lilly Duck.

    Now the lake's her breeding site.

She has a faithful husband too,

    But her husband, Billy, fights. 

 

He guards his wife attentively

    And drives off other males.

He lowers his head aggressively

    And fans his lovely tail.                           

 

Now Lilly's sitting on her nest

     So ducklings will come soon

And they will trot beside their Mum

     Throughout the month of June.

 

Their wings will grow well by July

     And in August they’ll be strong;

Then, with their parents, they will join

    Some others of their throng.
 

They’ll be gathering at the riverside

     Where the children go to play,

But will knock upon our window pane

     For seed on other days.

 

They always shout their greetings out

     As they fly away and back

For, from the sky above us, come

    Their cheery loud: 'quack quack'.