Duck Watch '08

More duck drama to report. If you recall, two winters ago I became very upset after seeing a clearly injured duck hanging out at the pond at my apartment. Sadly it was a tale that did not end well. One day he just disappeared, the poor guy either froze to death or was eaten after the pond iced over. Flash forward to this spring when the ducks returned, mated, and went off the lay eggs. I waited patiently to see the yearly crop of cute ducklings when a few weeks ago I was rewarded with the sight of at least 10 baby ducks and their mom swimming around. A few Geese and their hatchlings have also moved into the neighborhood.

Then about two or three days ago I noticed a few ducklings wandering around, but couldn't see any adults with them. Well, yesterday my fears were confirmed when just 5 baby ducks waddled over to underneath our balcony. The group couldn't be more than a few weeks old and they're already orphaned. I have no idea what happened to mommy or the other five babies, but I have several suspicions.

Feeling bad for the hungry babies I got some bread and tossed it down to them. Pretty soon an adult male duck flew in check out the food situation. I got nervous thinking he would run off the little ones. After all male ducks have no part in raising their young (I looked it up) and I've seen them get violent with each other (I'm pretty sure I witnessed a gay duck rape.) Anyway, my fears turned out to be pointless because as soon as the adult went for the bread one of the babies charged him, and the big guy backed down.

As the male duck waddled away from the scrappy orphans I noticed he was limping. Upon closer inspection I saw that the poor guy is missing a foot! We've decided to call him "gimpy" and pretend he's a pirate. But I think there is a sadder twist to his story. I think "gimpy" is really the ducklings dad. He sticks pretty close to them, although his single dad skills suck.

Since he can fly I'm not too worried about his health. The babies should also be all right. The entire pond community seems to be tolerating them and even looking out for them. Last night we heard an awful ruckus from the geese, turns out the fox was out patrolling the area. And while I know it's survival of the fittest and the circle of life and all that crap, I still wanted to stop the predator from getting his teeth on our ducks (and geese.) I don't know if he got any, but I haven't seen the babies yet today.

I've decided to stop feeding them anyway. White bread holds no nutrition for the growing ducklings, and the less human interference they receive the better off they will be. Cross your fingers that they'll all make it this time!