It's been a glorious spring this year, but I don't think anything provides as big a lift as the arrival of ducklings.

This morning, in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe in North Devon, I heard ducks squabbling down in the East Wilder Brook as it passes under a small bridge. I looked over the fence and saw a mother duck and her fleet of ducklings. Unfortunately, there were three male ducks trying to mate with her, explaining the noise as she fought them off.

Some blurred photos, taken with zoom lens while hanging over a fence with two spaniels on leads . . .

One of the park-keepers said they were born on Sunday. I counted 12. Before I could take any more photos, they swam under the bridge.

Meanwhile, back on the duck pond, this pair were doing some serious courting and a bit more when they weren't being interrupted by other jealous suitors . . .

Expect more ducklings!

I couldn't have asked for a lovelier morning.

At Bicclescombe Park Ilfracombe, North Devon, the sun seemed to want to play tennis . . .

. . . while a sleepy pigeon blinked in the bright morning light.

The trees are blushing with blossom . . .

. . . and the Wilder Brook in full flow.

In the distance, sheep are grazing on the Torrs . . .

. . . while the sun lit up the Round House on the Cairn.

What a great way to start the week!

The recent rains have fuelled the streams and rivers in North Devon. Travelling from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple this past week has involved driving through flooded roads and lanes, whichever route was chosen.

In Bicclescombe Park, the East Wilder Brook is flowing fast and I was reminded of some video footage I took in July 2009. I've just looked it out and uploaded it.

The park is always an interesting place at any time of year. Most of the time the brook, the millstream it feeds and the duck pond and boating lake are peaceful and still, but when the torrents rush down from the hills to the sea, the turbulence is impressive.

It is easy to see why the mill, now tea rooms, was built here and I wonder why we no longer use this source of energy.