Recently both the dog and the cat have been incredibly loyal and charming. When I leave the house, even if it is simply a short journey to the end of the driveway or to fetch something out of the car, they can be found with their noses pressed up against the dining room window looking out. At me.
Or so I thought.
This morning I took Charlie out via the front door so that we could make a quick stop at the mailbox to return videos (The Great Debaters and The Other Boleyn Girl – GM loved both of them). We ran into our next door neighbor who is one of those old mayor types. We live in a relatively diverse neighborhood, but for some reason all of the houses in our immediate zone (next door, across the street, diagonal) are occupied by people 80+. So running into the mayor is a bit time consuming as not only will he feel the need to report on all of the health issues and grandchildren visitations of the zone but he will also spend some energy inquiring about you and your own geriatric contribution to his turf.
Walking back towards the front door Charlie suddenly went all, “I SEE A SQUIRREL!” (those of you with dogs know exactly what I mean) He darted forward at lightening speed and it was all I could do not to fall forward. He shoved his long Scottie nose into the bushes at the front of the house and then I heard it: a giant QUACK!
A bit of feathers and I yank back on his leash and see that what he has found is a Mama Duck, two of the smallest chicks ever and a small pile of still unhatched eggs. I brought Mother out (who was up and getting ready for jury duty- which made me wonder- what the fuck would I do if I got called for jury duty? Bring GM with??) It took her a while to find the Mama Duck and that was a relief to me.
I suddenly felt so protective of this animal. So humbled that she would choose our front door as her own birthing center. And I also realized why the cat and the dog have been so keen on the dining room window.
I am not sure if there is anything I need to do for this Mama, but I am resolved to just let her be. I hope no one else finds her or her brood, and I hope that I can find a distant place to use my telephoto lens to document it.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh boy! I saw some fledgling ducks out at a wildlife rehab place where I had dinner the other night. So cute! I heart ducks. Plus, cute name – duck.
I don’t know about ducks specifically, but most birds don’t want their nests to be bothered. Me thinks you just need to keep Sir Charles away, and keep your own distance (altho, close enough to use a telephoto lens should be ok).
Looking forward to pics of the little waddling ducklings! (They’re so darn cute!)
Wow, that is SO cool
Looking forward to watching this story unfold…
Wow that IS cool. I’d love to have a duck family in my yard but I don’t think I could keep Pupzilla away.
what a great photo! do we believe in signs?
very cute and perhaps an omen for your upcoming FET? cool! as for jury duty, you would be excused since you are the primary caregiver for someone who needs you there on a daily basis.
Aww – how sweet!
What a nice duck! I hope you can show us the baby duckies.
Yeah, there is a section on the jury duty form that exempts you because of GM. Or you could take her, like a field trip.
I adore the duck.
As for jury duty, you are exempt from serving if you are the full-time caregiver of a young child or an elderly person. At least that’s how it is in the state where I live.
Yes, even if you are a part-time care-giver and can prove it, you are exempt around here. Good luck!
I agree with Beth – just keep the dog and cat away and observe from a respectful distance. A couple of years ago a duck laid and hatched several eggs in the bushes on the edge of the lake behind our house. I’d throw some bread and cereal about 15 feet away from her a few times a week. Before long, she had six ducklings waddling around behind her. Eventually she got them in the water, and it was so neat to watch them grow as they waddled and swam around behind our house. Eventually they all flew away, but every spring several ducks come back and hang out in our lake for a few weeks. I don’t know if they’re the same ones, but I like to think that they are.
I can’t wait to see and hear more about your little duck family!
mama duck sensed your mama energy, and wanted to be close to you….
xo
A couple of ducks adopted my dad last summer. He feeds them dry dog food and now they come running (more like wobbling, really) when they see him. I’d encourage you to throw some kibble in her general direction (with the dog locked up inside, of course).
How fun it will be to have ducklings wobbling around in your yard! Maybe you should invest in a kiddie pool
.
THAT is super cool! i’m sorry that you had to find out that the admiration from the dog and cat wasn’t intended for you though ; )
And the picture is fantastic, can’t wait to see more!
That is the coolest thing ever. I wonder how long she will stay?