So I had an adventure the past few days.

Every evening I take my mom and my dogs for a walk at the river. Last week I noticed two young ducks (white ones) playing under the bridge (the flumes) where there was water dripping. They were in the road so I herded them off the road to the side. Each day I checked on them. They were very happy playing in the water and running free, but it was an unsafe place, right next to the road and all.

So a few days later one of the ducks was gone. The remaining duck was hysterically quacking for his buddy ( I have no idea of the gender but he is so magnificent that he must be a male!) I talked to the duck and tried to console him but he was too upset. That night around midnight I went back to the river thinking I’d be able to pick him up if he was sleeping. It’s wonder they didn’t pick me up out tramping by the river at midnight. When I got there he was wide awake and still quacking looking for his friend and in general just protesting big time. I didn’t even try to pick him up.

The next day I went again. He had calmed a bit and was eating and doing duck things in a pool of water near the bridge. I started talking to him. He didn’t mind me approaching him so I just gently approached and talked to him. I got near and sat next to him for a bit just talking. He then walked over a short way and sat down. I walked over, squatted down and picked him up. The ground around him was slippery with watery moss. I didn’t fall down but it was a consideration!

The bird didn’t protest at all when I picked him up. In fact, he seemed relieved. I got him to my car where he promptly pooped duck poo down the front of my shirt and onto my jeans. Guess he was a little nervous. Then I just held him a bit and talked and calmed him. He is so cute and cuddly.

When we got to my house I put him down in the backyard. Where ever I went he followed. Now I am his ‘flock’. I took him to another part of the river where there were some geese and a few ducks. I put him down and invited him to join that flock. No way. He just followed me.

So for the past few days I have been hosting a duck.

I fill the bathtub so he can bath and have a chance to do duck things in the water. He sleeps in the bathroom at night which means each morning I give it a good scrub. Then he spends the day in the back yard. Not as much fun as playing under the bridge but he is safe.

After some research I found a lady who wants to take him. She is sort of the local ‘bird lady’. So this afternoon he will be at his new home and hopefully it will be a win for everyone!

I named him Chester cause when he stands up to his full height and flaps his wings he is very proud and beautiful!

When I hold him he strokes my arm or shoulder with his neck and head and he gives me ‘duck kisses’ by nibbling on my foot or arm. He turns his head and really listens when I talk with him and when he is alone too long, well that sets off some serious quacking! Such an affectionate critter.

I suspect he was raised as a pet and then dropped off by the river when he got mature. My dogs enjoyed meeting him too. My little Pomeranian went nose to ‘nose’ with him as they checked each other out! He had no fear of the dogs which further indicates he was domesticated.

Thought you would enjoy my bird story!

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