stillness and quiet

This past Saturday morning I had the pleasure of being outside with a family of three for the purpose of Forest bathing. Signs of Spring are early, and birds are busy with activities: mate finding, nest building, and celebrating nature returning to growth and new life. 
At one point during our time together I was inspired to have us all stand in stillness and just watch and listen to nature. After a few minutes I heard what sounded like low flying aircraft flying overhead. I looked to one of the family members and her facial expression mirrored what I was feeling: fear and not understanding the sound. 
It was a group of four mallards flying so close overhead that it sounded like aircraft. 
We were stunned and delighted.
Two male mallards and two female mallards executed a smooth and deliberate landing in the pond we were standing next to. 
We were amazed and grateful to experience this event. 
Nature is full of surprises and new experiences, and this gift was most appreciated by all of us being still and quiet.