An Unlikely Visitor

 

Unlikely Duck Visit

Sometimes after preschool pick-up, my son will bring his 2-year-old daughter by my house for a visit.  On this particular day, it was sunny outside and she, with her sun hat already atop her head, immediately requested that we go out to do bubbles.  My bubble machine was out there, and she knew it.  Unfortunately, the bubble supply had run out so we couldn’t fulfill her request.  She settled into playing in the bubbler fountain that is next to the patio.  As she splashed her hands in the water, an unusual thing occurred.  A female mallard duck came swooping in and landed in my courtyard only a couple of yards from the fountain.  I had never had that happen before.  After all, the area is fenced in and the only entrance for a duck is to fly there.  This mallard and her partner had been residing in the pond behind my house for weeks but never attempted to visit me.  My granddaughter was elated.  She pointed and began yelling “duck, duck”.  Her father encouraged her to go see the duck as it waddled its way around the courtyard.  The duck was not scared easily and neither was my granddaughter.  It remained with us for several minutes and gave us a delightful sight to see before flying over to the pond.  I wonder if the mama duck was looking for a place to nest.

Tammy Harvey

5/24/2025

Also, Happy 2nd Birthday to Nellie (6/17/25) today!