Muskovy Duck

Muskovy Duck
Originally uploaded by rudimyers

When we first moved into our house, there was a pair of Muscovy ducks living on the lake. One year, the female decided to lay her eggs in a planter (full of potting soil but no plant) right by the back steps. I moved the planter knowing our comings and goings would upset her greatly. Those eggs didn't hatch (raccoon or somebody got them), and I don't think they every did have any ducklings. The female disappeared, and I think either a turtle in the lake dragged her under, or our not so nice to wild ducks and geese neighbors shot her.

This poor fellow is limping due to a turtle grab. Here he is in our carport after a long absence looking for a handout. Considering the lake is frozen over, I don't blame the fellow.