Yes, They Talk to Me!

   Every day I can head down to the pier to find some critter to befriend. Well, I try.  If Ms. Ez, the old Bayou Dog, is tagging along behind me, not too many critters hang around long enough for me to even get close.  Today, however, she decided that the weather was a tad wet and she wanted to stay in her bed.  I headed out alone before the rains came.  On the pier, I found two Mottled Ducks resting a bit before heading to my cousin's house to feed.  I eased onto the pier.  At first, the ducks hardly noticed I was getting closer and closer.  Once I was about twenty feet from them, they stood and conversed between themselves as to whether I was a threat.  I guess I seemed amiable enough since they just ambled about three feet down the pier and waited.  I eased closer.  The ducks, once again, discussed their safety with me creeping closer and closer. At times they seemed to be asking me if I intended them harm. I talked softly...they quacked.  We had a nice conversation..I suppose. It was sort of a challenge to see if I could get the ducks to be confident enough with my presence to share the pier with me.  

  

  

I sat on the pier for a good while as the ducks grew accustomed to me. Every so often, I would ease a bit closer to them.  Keep in mind that these are wild ducks and just getting within ten feet of them is quite a trick.  I did.  The ducks were not easily frightened and I think would have stayed longer had the skies not darkened and had the thunder not started to roll.  I was the first to make the move.  I had to get off that pier...and quick!  Jumping up, I startled my poor friends and they took flight.  (And I took flight back up the hillside!  The pier is not a good place to be during lightning!) 

  The Mottled Ducks are quite the plucky ducks! They do not scare easily and eventually expect handouts of feed.  My cousin supplies a tasty feast for them.  I will not feed the ducks since she does but I will continue to ease my way into their presence. Hopefully, we can have many more of these...ummm...conversations!  I love my Bayou Critters!