Friday, May 29, 2009

Just a quick post.

Ok, so two or three things.

First, remember when I said the ducks cussed me up one side and down the other for herding them into their house that first couple of nights? Well I went out two nights ago, and they were already in the house, and waiting for me to shut the door. Last night was the same! Wonderfully smart ducks!

Next, the small barrier fence I was keeping them in is now moved, and they can roam the full backyard at their discretion. Yes I will get photos this weekend for you all.

Finally. We all recall how distraught I was about Conner's sex. Well world I just came in and my heart is lifted. I spotted a dark streak on Conner's head, I assumed water. Sally has the same thing, but smaller. This caused me to probe more. Conner's color is darker in every aspect. Darker browns on his wings, and tail. Darker coloring on his face and neck. And the spot. That wonderful, beautiful spot! I picked him up, and gang, that spot, or streak rather is green! It is not wet feathers. It is, rather, green coming in on his head! Conner seems to be a boy!

Ms. Aslinger, there will be no more need to buy ducks! (I hope)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

No news can only be good news, no?

The title isn't entirely true. There is news, and it is good.

Do you all recall in one of my latest posts that I had the ducks on a trial run outside at night? Do you also recall that they were very mad at me the next day? Well here is the news, they are no longer angry with me for leaving them in a luxurious studio duck house. In fact the last two evening when I went outside at promptly 8:30 (right after dark) to herd them into their home, I was delighted to find they were already there; happily waiting for their night time meal.

This delighted me immensely. It seems that their stubborn duck streak can be attributed more to adolesence, and not stuck up duck behavior. Which as you all know, is a great relief. So both nights I fed, and bid them a fond goodnight.

It will not be too long before I am able to remove the small pen they are located in, and expand it to include the whole of the backyard, save for the garden, which will get me, and a pair of ducks on a menu if I don't block that off. However I will let them roam almost completely free soon. It couldn't be totally free, they are domesticated after all. You wouldn't want me putting you in the middle of forest to survive alone would you?

No, I didn't think so. Plus I wouldn't do that. That is something a big fat jerk would do, and I try hard not to be a big fat jerk.

Next, they love the large pond! Just love it! I have some pictures of them galavanting around in it, and a video, which isn't very good, so I am going to take another. It's fun to watch them dive deep and pop up somewhere several feet away. I also noticed they like to arch their bodies high out of the water and shake their little wings like they are going to take off. They of course never do, and are only drying off their backs for them water they gathered upon diving.

Now to head off into the wild blue and gather cameras, and pictures, and other such things for you all to enjoy.

Until later, Talley Ho!