Duckie Builds a Nest

   Sometimes, you just gotta scratch your head with wonder at some of the sights on the Bayou.  A couple of days ago, I noticed a duck swimming about in the shallows near a bend in one of the inlets.  While there is nothing unusual about a duck...this one was odd as it was white.  White ducks are sittin' ducks, if you know what I mean.  The snow-white feathers make the bird an easy target for the eagle, bobcat or coyote but I was more concerned that this duck might become a meal for the alligators.  This is a pekin duck and, well, they cannot fly.  It is a domesticated duck and really is out of place in the Bayou.  I watched the bird for a while and decided that it would probably be ok since it was hanging with the snowy egrets (and one great blue egret).  With a dozen or so white birds huddling together, the one would not stand out as much.

  Later, it was brought to my attention that this was actually my cousin's duck.  She lives down the shoreline a bit so it made sense that the duck swam over here.  She had the same concerns about "Duckie" as I did so I promised to keep an eye on the critter for her.  I was told that "he" hangs out with the geese that come to her place to feed.  Later, I did see the geese near the mouth of the Bayou so I figured Duckie made his way home.

  The next day, I was even more confused as "Duckie" seemed to be making a lovely nest. Duckie had mounded up quite a pile of marsh and was firmly making a hollow in the center.   Ummm..."he" was even going so far as lining the nest with feathers.  Ok...Duckie?  You are supposed to be male according to my cousin, why are you making a nest?  

  We shall have to wait to see the outcome of this nest-building by a single, male pekin duck in December (of all times).  There are no others around this area but stranger things have happened.  I guess Duckie feels right safe here if this nesting thing is a reality.  Wait and see...wait and see.