Ducks

I have not seen a duck in a long time. I wonder why.

I am trying to remember the last time I saw a duck, and I can't. Did I see one recently and just think nothing of it? Ducks really are something I only notice when they stand out. I haven't been near any bodies of water that is frequented by ducks in quite awhile. Now this is bugging me.

When I first moved to Oregon back in 1995, I lived in a neighborhood that had a lot of ducks. There were a lot of small streams running in between some of the houses, and they would attract ducks. Usually mallards. My grandparents house had a small pond near the front door, and there were some goldfish in the pond. These goldfish were the type you find at a pet store for about 10 cents a piece. The neighborhood ducks found the goldfish and started eating them. My grandfather put a laundry basket in the pond, and then put a rock over it to hold them down. The ducks could not get the fish after that.

There were a few times I would have to stop because of the duck crossing. Yeah, the duck crossing. These ducks would actually cross the street in this small section where the stream ran under the road. They would often stop and stand there, oblivious to the fact that there were cars waiting. Fortunately, I never saw any dead ducks.

There was one time I was driving, and I saw 2 ducks walking together along the sidewalk. It was rather cute.

I used to work for a company called Stream in Beaverton, OR. There was a creek right behind the building, and the creek was frequented by ducks and these weird rodent looking things called nutria I think. Anyway, there was a duck that had babies, and for awhile, you could see this group of ducklings following their mother everywhere they went. It was rather awesome, especially when all the ducklings were once trying to climb this curb the mother walked over. The mother waited for them, and they eventually all made it over the curb and down to the creek.

Speaking of that job, there was a lot of roadwork in Beaverton for awhile. Near the freeway offramp I would use, there was a small ditch that filled with water one winter. It created a small pond which I am sure is no longer there. For months, these 2 ducks lived in this pond. It was cool and they were peaceful to watch while waiting for the light.

Back when I lived in San Jose, we used to visit my grandmother a lot. She used to live not too far from us, and one apartment complex she had had a ton of ponds. It was kinda cool, cause you would occasionally find frogs. Never saw any fish or turtles, but I was told they were there. There were tons of ducks and a few swans in this place. Let me tell ya, swans are MEAN when you and your cousins are trying to tease them.

I have never eaten duck before. My parents have. We were at a chinese restaurant in San Jose that is really good and they ordered the Peking Duck. They liked it, but my brother and I were not interested in eating it. Why would we when we could have sweet and sour pork?!?!?!?!

I should go find some ducks and feed them bread this weekend.