Meet Forrest and Socks, two rather distinguished gentlemen whose original names were Plato and Socrates. Despite their philosophical beginnings, their lives have taken a decidedly more entertaining direction!
Both were rescued by my friend Jo after being hatched as part of a school project. Being boys, their futures were uncertain, but fortunately they found their way into my garden, where they have been thoroughly spoiled ever since.
Socks is short for Socrates, while Forrest was originally Plato. His new name came about when two other rescued drakes took to chasing him around the garden. I found myself repeatedly shouting, "Run, Forrest, run!" and, rather like the famous film, the name stuck!
These two are exceptionally gentle, affectionate ducks who seem to enjoy human company just as much as each other's. They follow me around the garden, come over to say hello and regularly tap their beaks against the art room window to announce their presence.
Naturally, this attracts the attention of Jojo and Alfie, who consider themselves responsible for policing all activity outside their window!
Forrest and Socks enjoy a lifestyle that includes their own paddling pool, mirrors for admiring themselves, an outdoor radio and regular cuddles and massages. They are particularly fond of routine and usually put themselves to bed in the evening, although occasionally they decide that bedtime should involve a little game of persuasion.
During the breeding season, their behaviour becomes rather more enthusiastic, and I sometimes find myself attempting to carry sculptures into the kiln room with a duck firmly attached to my apron or skirt!
One of the most magical things about Forrest and Socks is their rather extraordinary duck dance. Every so often, when they're feeling particularly happy and contented, they begin circling one another in perfect synchronization. They make the sweetest little sounds, lower their heads and beaks together, and continue their beautifully coordinated performance.
Sometimes they even come over to my sculpting shed and perform their little ritual nearby. It doesn't happen very often, which makes witnessing it all the more special. I find myself stopping whatever I'm doing just to watch them. There's something quite enchanting about those rare moments of quiet happiness, shared between two ducks who have become such an important part of my life.
As well as providing endless entertainment, Forrest and Socks are my living models whenever I create duck sculptures. Observing their movements, expressions and individual characters gives me a wonderful source of inspiration. From two unwanted ducklings to the resident philosophers of the garden, I think it's fair to say they've landed on their webbed feet.
And judging by their lifestyle, I suspect they know it!