Ducks at the Ditch

It was the kind of gray fall day that one clings to, for despite the lack of sunshine, it wasn't terribly cold -- nothing a scarf and fleece couldn't handle. Unlike our current November days -- gloomy, windy, wet and nippy -- And it wasn't raining or blowing. It was a fine day to check to see if Harry was still at the ditch or if he'd left for warmer climes.

How do they know? I live by my calendar. If I neglect to write something down I am likely to forget. And now that I'm retired, I don't always know which day it is until I look at my pill box! But Harry seems to know the time is not yet right to leave. Does he one day say, "Well, I'm outta here"? It's a mystery. To me, at least. But not to this lady.

I'll call her the Duck Lady, for she seems to have rapport with the ducks at the ditch. Several answer to her call. Fred is the large mallard...

...Ethel is the large female. Duck Lady says they were brought to the ditch and aren't native. They can't fly. And they are much larger than the other Ditch Ducks.
 In Duck World, no one is safe! Along came Laverne, with whom Fred had his way. She also is not a Ditch native but has been there a number of years. When Duck Lady calls Laverne, she comes. Their relationship goes back to the time that Duck Lady fed Laverne and her babies. Now all the ducks flock around her.

I loved Fred's feet.

There were wood ducks, too. On our last walk I showed you photos of a female. Here is the larger male...

...and some of his offspring.

I think they are quite the loveliest and most distinct of the Ditch Ducks.

Duck Lady says they will stay throughout the winter. Some patches of water will be open, and they will sleep on the ice.

Until then, I will enjoy them when I can, as they explore their world on days gray and gloomy, sunny and bright.

NOTE: Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments on my last post and your support for my art sale. It went well and for those of you who asked about cards, canvases and tags, I'll be with you individually. And thanks!)