Mallard Duck at Meadow View Pond

Soundprints, together with the Smithsonian Institution, fosters at the earliest age an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitats so that children will grow to respect nature and the environment as adults.

The Smithsonian Oceanic Collection explores the creatures that live in our oceans and on the shores.

Smithsonian's Backyard gives children a glimpse of the lives of animals that live right outside their own homes. -- Read-along audiocassettes enhanced with music, natural sound effects, and page turning tones. -- Toys authenticated by Smithsonian Institution curators for realism.

On the grassy bank of Meadow View Pond, a mallard hen sits on her nest and waits for her creamy tan eggs to hatch.

As the hatchlings grow up on the pond, young Mallard Duck and his brothers and sisters encounter many adventures, from taking their first swim, to their narrow escape from the sharp beak of a hungry snapping turtle.

Changing from a fluffy yellow duckling to a brightly colored drake, Mallard Duck will soon become full size.

Then he will fly away to begin a family of his own.