In the garden area that surrounds the United States Botanic Garden near Capitol Hill, ducks enjoy a spring afternoon on the pond. These mallard ducks are not just cute residents on the pond, they are part of the educational experience for visitors. Just like the plants, the birds are living examples of the balance of nature. President Washington had a vision for the capital city that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the important of plants to the young nation. This garden is one of the oldest in North America and since 1934 has been administered through the Architect of the Capital.
In this image on a sunny afternoon in the spring, this pair of ducks were putting on an unofficial demonstration for visitors; they swam, hid in the lily leaves, looked for bugs, and dipped into the water. Just doing what ducks do best on their pond!