Calico Ducks
While I concentrating on distant bufflehead ducks, I failed to notice these remarkable creatures paddling along the edge of the lake right in front of me. As I quickly changed focus and started to chat calmly and amicably to them, they began swim back in the direction they had come from. I decided not to follow them.
They got about forty feet away and watched me for awhile. And then they came back and stopped right in front of me , giving me lots of time to take pictures. One even came out of the water. After several minutes, they resumed their journey, paddling off in a casual flotilla.
They stopped by someone’s dock and looked like they were going to stay there for awhile. I chose a different way home to avoid startling them. I believe they are Muscovy ducks, which some people in BC raise. As far as I know they are not indigenous to this area. They seemed cautious of me, but not afraid. Perhaps they are escapees. I have not seen them since and hope they are safe.
The buffleheads were lovely also. Smaller, and not so trusting. One male with the white head, and 3 females. I had seen them a week before when it was still warm and sunny, fluttering around, squawking and splashing and diving and having a grand time. They seen more sedate now in the cooler weather, keeping away from the shore.
