A good Saturday morning to all! Today, the sun shines with only a few wispy clouds dotting the sky. I want to tell you about a little adventure we had on our yard last week. The tale proves that your feet don’t need to carry you past the gatepost to create lifelong memories.
The COVID Pandemic has slowed the world, and though not a pleasant experience, it has taught us to appreciate the simpler pleasures. Like the little duck, we named Griffin, that wandered onto our lawn last week.
At first, we were surprised by the proximity to which we could approach Griffin. We reasoned he must belong to a local. Tanya put a shout out on social media, but no owner came forward.
There were some guesses as to what type of duck, and the gender. Know-it-All Google had the answer. A comparison of photos led to the conclusion that our guest was a Muscovy. No one had the stomach to physically check for gender, so we relied on an online list of observed behaviors that indicated it was a dude.
Now, Muscovy ducks dine on mice, snakes, and other vermin, so in my books that makes Griffin a hero. We all agreed Griffin was welcome to stay.
Griffin chose the area under the treehouse and our kids happily tended to his needs.
Just make yourself comfortable, Griffin. Need anything?
Um . . . I’m no expert on drinking from a frisbee, but wouldn’t the water stay in better if you leave your feet out?
How about a bucket, is that better?
Homemade duck bath, equals one happy fowl.
Meanwhile, in the front yard, this poor baby needed saving. Reuntited with a chirping Mother Robin moments after this was taken.
That night we camped in the wilds of our backyard, and when I awoke and exited the tent, Griffin was under the treehouse, standing guard.
Well, for us older folks, and perhaps just us Canucks, the whole story ended like an episode of the Littlest Hobo. The next day we woke to find Griffen had moved on. Perhaps to brighten the day for another COVID weary family.
A Saturday to remember… 🙂 What a joy for you and your family to experience two special feathered guests on a single day and to camp out together in your backyard. Memories made that will last forever! ❤ xo
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Thanks, Bette. That’s what it’s all about, creating good memories for my family. I wish Griffin would have stayed longer, though.
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What a cute story, Mark. I have reared two baby birds [much smaller than this one] by hand. A hoopoe and a dove.
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Thanks, Robbie. What type of bird is a hoopoe?
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It is part of the woodpecker family.
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Okay. I learned something new today. 🙂
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How fun!! I had no idea there was a duck that would eat snakes! Maybe I need a few of those for my yard. 🙂
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Me neither Michelle. One of the reasons why I was hoping he’d stick around.
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It’s amazing what little adventures we can have in our own backyards. Cute pics and story, Mark. And I love the idea of you camping in your backyard. I wonder if I can get my husband into a tent (?) Lol. Thanks for the diversion!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Diana. It was a bit of an adventure, too bad Griffin moved on. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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It must have been so exciting for you guys to have such lovely company. I wish this handsome dude would have stayed with you for another day! 🌸
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Me too. I was kind of hoping for a pet. Thanks!
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Maybe tomorrow, he’ll want to settle down:-) Love that little hobo!
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Me too. 🙂
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Awwww, what a cool thing to happen. Griffen, the traveling COVID duck! 🙂
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It was a neat experience, Jan.
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We have Muscovy ducks everywhere down here in Florida. They’ve been nicknames “pato feo” (ugly duck in Spanish) because they poop all over the porches and decks. Lol! I’m happy you are enjoying Griffin. 🙂
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THanks, Yvette.
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This reminded me so much of the first episode of The Sopranos! Have you seen it?
I’m glad you’ve been able to take care of the one little baby and reunite him with his mamma, that’s so sweet. I wonder whether Griffin will one day return? You might see a flash across the window or a see some feathers taking flight from the corner of your eye one day and wonder: “was Griffin here, sneaking in a peak to check we’re all okay”? Your guardian birdie! 😉 xx
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Thanks, I love the idea of Griffin checking up on us. 🙂
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Great visitors dropping by and loved the pictures:) Happy the baby made it back to mom and the duck had a safe place to hang out for a bit.
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Thanks, Denise.
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What a delightful family episode! And I had no idea that there is a type of duck that eats snakes and mice.
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I didn’t either, Liz, this was the first time I’d heard about a Muscovy. Thanks for stopping by.
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You’re welcome, Mark. I never know what new information I’m going to learn when I stop by someone’s blog. It makes for a lot of fun!
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How cute! I agree with you Mark, some memories are as precious as this one and they just come and hug you if you have a open heart. 🙂
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Thanks, Balroop. We’ll always remember Griffin and the baby bird.
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Ducks are very social. We had a pair of Mallards that stayed with us each year. They would have babies and then the whole crowd would take off when winter came. In the spring, Yup back they came. Super story, Mark.
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That’s pretty neat, John.
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Love this little adventure story ( I mean for the duck, of course!) lol
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A little adventure for us too.:)
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Your heading photo is beautiful, Mark, and I am reminded of the beauty of our planet. I saw Griffin on Instagram and I couldn’t help rooting for him. This was a great opportunity for your family to learn more about Muscovy ducks. Fun camping in your back yard. Retro fond memories on Littlest Hobo. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Erica. 🙂 I knew someone else would remember the Littlest Hobo. I used to watch it all the time.
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