Friday FUN

Each spring, a pair of mallard ducks comes to visit us. Until now, we have always considered them a nuisance because they settle into our backyard pond, thinking about nesting there. The pond isn't big enough for two ducks plus their brood, and there are goldfish that aren't meant to be duck sushi, so we usually frighten them away. They are very brave and not at all intimidated until we get very close, but they usually move along after several indications that they aren't wanted.

This year was no different, except that I had installed a bird feeder in the front yard. After being denied access to the pond, the ducks decided that the feeder was a good source of food, and visited regularly to snack and catch up on the latest gossip with the other patrons of the feeder: squirrels, bunnies and assorted birds.

Then one day the female arrived alone.

Mallards mate for life so we were quite concerned. What had happened to her handsome husband? Had he been hit by a car? Attacked by a fox? Flown off with some floozy? She returned each day but looked rather sad and didn't eat or chat with the other birds. I had hoped she would at least go and look after her babies, if she had any. Or maybe hubby was minding the brood while she had some girl time alone.

Whatever the reason for the male's disappearance, he finally reappeared at the feeder yesterday. There were no recriminations from Mrs. Duck, who simply seemed happy to have him back. They are there now, and I can see them both from the window as I write this.

Stay safe!