The Duck

Many of you have heard of my recent saga with the little black duck in my pool. I thought you might like to see him. Bob and I both think he may be a Scoter, which is very unusual in these parts. They are ocean diving birds. I believe he must have gotten lost.

Unfortunately I was unable to rescue him and take him to wildlife protection. Right when I was getting prepared to do this he disappeared. Perhaps he sensed his impending fate and decided he felt good enough to move along. Hopefully he did not crawl under a bush and croak. The mystery will remain I suppose.
On a happier note, this is a bird who is having a much better life. He is a big, healthy grackle male and has taken this bird bath outside of a tile store as his throne. He entertains quite a few ladies here, and otherwise bathes and preens all day. I feel like I've gotten to know him. I told Chelsea, sometimes I imagine him as a little Hugh Hefner with a smoking jacket on. Something about him makes me happy to pass him on my way to school every day.