I sat in pre-calculus class staring out the window, and while this is nothing new, today it was raining. This made me think, “Weather only a duck would like”. After class, being in need of a break, I ventured out to the refuge to see if, in fact, ducks do like rainy weather.
As I started out along the 8 mile drive, my first encounter was with the
Northern Shoveler. Although he looks quite similar to the Mallard, he was quickly recognized by his long spoon shaped bill. He and his Mrs. didn’t seem to be bothered by the raindrops. He had taken her to the best restaurant in town and they just went about bobbing under water looking for a quick little lunch. Driving on, I spotted the glossy green head of the
Mallard. He sat with his bride, the two preening themselves. After straightening out their ruffled feathers, they waddled into the water. Seemingly, not even knowing it was raining. Mr.
Pintail, holding his head high, looking all studdly with his long needle pointed tail feathers, glided along the water’s surface. Solo and with Spring not far off, surely he was in search of a lady friend. Rain, what rain? He was more concerned with the whereabouts of the girls.
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The
Hooded Merganser sat up among the reeds, sheltering herself from the rain. Or was she hiding from Mr. Pintail? The
Canada Geese, in a gaggle, were making their usual honking noises. Possibly they were complaining about the drearily day, maybe not. A bright white
Snow Goose, standing along the water’s edge, was staring off, perhaps she too had enough of calculus or perhaps she was using it to calculate the best path to her next meal.
As I neared the roads end, there in the small overflow pond swam the
Bufflehead. Well, with a name like Bufflehead, do you even know it’s raining?