R.I.P. Quackie

All our knowledge merely helps us to die a more painful death than animals that know nothing. ~Maurice Maeterlinck

Sad news ...

Three days ago, I drove past the duck pond, and saw a pile of loose, white feathers. I *hoped* that didn't mean what I thought it meant and tried to count ducks, but none were there (the past few weeks, there have been three white ducks and about five male Mallards).

The next day, I drove past. Counted. Two white ducks.

Now, Quackie was odd duck out in the white duck flock. The two that came are clearly mated, and they'd hang out, while Quackie stayed a few feet away at all times. The two ducks I saw were stuck like glue.

Sometimes Quackie hides in the water plants though. So I hoped.

The next day I drove past. Counted. Two white ducks and a handful of Mallards.

Sadly, I believe I must report that Quackie was nabbed by a predator of some sort. Breaks my heart -- he made it two years all alone at the pond, and now that he finally had a flock of sorts ... gone.

At least he had friends around him for several weeks before he was taken. He had some happiness before he died. I hope his death was quick and painless and that he's with his mate (who was taken two years ago) in duck heaven.

Nature is a cruel mistress. Beautiful, but merciless.

R.I.P. Quackie. I'll miss you.



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You Are a Lion

You're very self-reliant and apt to do your own thing. You know what you want out of life. You are a total visionary. You have your own idea about utopia, as impractical as it may be. You have sharp senses and a heightened awareness. Very little escapes your notice. Decision making is easy for you. You have a spot on intuition that's been with you your whole life.

What Jungle Animal Are You?

That's about right....

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