Harbour Ducks

Harbour Ducks
July 31, 2009

If you spend anytime around natural bodies of water in the Great Lakes waterways especially Lakes Huron and Erie as well as connecting waterways you can help but notice the Mallard ducks. They are especially fond of visiting docks in the hopes of being fed and I have yet to se a marina where Mallards are not present. They will flit in between the docked boats. Once in awhile someone will toss a few pieces of bread or left-over chip which triggers a unique semi-flight response from the ducks. Their hind end remains in the water while their wings propel them forward in a feeding frenzy. It is rather humorous to watch and always brings fits of giggles from the kids who delight in feeding them. Oldest grandbaby has just learned about this so has fed the ducks from our dock much to her amazement and delight!

For the most part the Mallards don't cause much of a problem unless they decide to favour your dock or swim platform as their sitting spot. Then it makes one heck of a mess! We've had them nesting under the bushes near the water each spring we've been here. They know we won't bother them and almost as a thank-you the mommy always brings the little fluff balls back to the dock for a visit after they leave the nest.

Garden Gnome
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