For the twelve years that the wife and I have been here
in Boerne (pronounced burn e) we have become accustomed to slowing
down for the ducks crossing River Road along the
Cibolo Creek/pond. The pond has become a landmark for the
city.
With picnic benches all along the bank and ducks of all
types awaiting a handout from picnickers and passers-by, River Road
traffic is always on the lookout for ducks in the
street.
About a month ago, Donald and his duck wife, Daisy
elected to build a nest under a bush in front of the Dodging Duck
restaurant - a clever name, considering the high volume of duck
traffic.
Soon Daisy could be seen sitting on several eggs with
Donald standing guard a few feet away. Donald insisted on standing
in a parkway a few feet from the curb. With Donald's peculiar
choice of station, orange traffic cones were strategically placed
to alert drivers.
In spite of these efforts, last week Donald was hit by a
car. A local veterinarian examined Donald and found no broken
bones. He seemed paralyzed yet pain free.
Donald, apparently traumatized initially, is now
projected to make a full recovery. In addition to receiving a bath
every day at the local vet hospital to remove insects, Donald is
also the proud owner of a small portable swimming pool lovingly
placed near Daisy, who continues to sit on the eggs.
Only in Boerne; a hop, skip and jump away from the
mainstream. The local newspaper, www.boernestar.com, has followed the
adventures of this brave little fellow with front page pictures and
articles for the past three Friday's.
info added 6/24/10:
Donald and Daisy are now the proud parents of seven
goslings. Donald is receiving constant care and the entire family
has been moved to a safer area away from on-going traffic. Donald
and wife Daisy have garnered state wide attention. A contest to
name the ducklings has been started!
Glenna stopped and took this picture of the duck family.
The one sitting down is Donald. Notice the pool has
chunks of bread floating in it.
You should be able to see a couple of goslings
in this picture.
.