In last week’s episode we explored a potential maternal event taking place on the Richardson farm, which is now famous for its weird bird behaviors. The incident in question is a unique tale of a domesticated mama duck who has begun laying her eggs in a No. 3 washtub on our deck. If you missed that chapter of the story it might be appropriate for you to get a copy of last week’s edition in order to catch up on the details.

The saga has taken on a life of its own. In fact as of this moment (Monday) we have advanced from a single egg to a robust eight little white eggs lying in the potting soil of that comfy, roomy washtub. In the meantime I’ve received plenty of help from readers who are more familiar with this situation than I am although I’ve not heard from anyone yet who can advise me on how to raise chicks in a washtub. Susan, Janice and Marsha, however, have all sent along good tips and encouragement to help us with our parenting skills, and all that info has certainly been beneficial.

First of all my helpers have identified our prospective mama as a Muscovy duck, and this breed is reputed to be mild-mannered and charming as well as devoted mothers. I’ve also been told that if you talk to them they will do a little tail-wagging to let you know that they are enjoying your company. I have not yet had a conversation with the recently named Matilda the Muscovy duck mainly because I’m not allowed on the porch while she is concentrating on her work.

We’ve also learned to be on the lookout for predators, most notably black snakes and rat snakes known as notorious marauders who will eat the eggs. Duly noted. I now have a hoe (with a long handle) at the ready in case one of these predators should slither up and threaten Matlida’s nest. Even though I’m pretty scared of snakes I stand ready to perform my duty and if necessary do battle in the event of an attack.

I must say that along with her other fine qualities Matilda is punctual. Every morning at 7 we sneak a peek out the back door and there she is. Just like clockwork she’s sitting on her throne and around 10 she’s off to bathe, get something to eat and gird up her loins for another day of prospective motherhood. Big Ben (the iconic clock at Westminster Palace in London) could not be more prompt.

In addition to helping identify Matilda as a Muscovy my email friends have also passed along the information that tells us an average clutch will consist of anywhere from eight to 16 eggs so we may well have another full week of drama just to get to the end of that part of the process. Once she’s finished it will take around 35 days of Matilda sitting on the eggs to hatch them, and if all goes well there might well be a washtub full of baby Muscovy ducks sometime toward the end of July.

If it comes to fruition I’m sure that will be a sight to see.

Assuming a successful birthing we will need some serious help because we’ve no idea how to handle a dozen or more ducklings scooting round and round trying to get out of a washtub. I just hope Matilda has planned for that eventuality. If she has not, and we have to scoop her babies out, I trust that Matilda will continue to be mild-mannered and charming but I am nearly certain that she’ll be a normal, protective mother and try to flog the person who has the temerity to put their hands on her infants.

As this story has moved from the inane to the more serious I’ve discovered that I’m as nervy as a prospective grandfather — hoping that all will go well and the young ones will get here safely. Until that day arrives I’ve been apprised of my duties by the females of our house who know more about maternal stuff than I do.

Those obligations are, in no particular order: 1) To not, under any circumstances go out on the deck while Matilda is sitting; 2) Do not, under any circumstances touch the eggs or the surrounding potting soil; and 3) to always stand ready with the hoe.

I think I’ve got all those things solidly in mind and thus the watch continues for Matilda the Muscovy to do her thing as we breathlessly await the miracle of birth.

Email any tips on duck-birthing to dar8589@bellsouth.net.