The Frozen Pond

On Sunday we went for a walk mid day . . .

the sun was shining and skaters were enjoying the ice.

It felt like we were part of an old fashioned Christmas card scene.

Walking in the morning, however, 

my focus has been on the ducks, 

tough mallards who stick around for the winter.

I've read that they have a thick layer of fat on them

and that their feathers are water-repellent -

giving them natural insulation.

But it still surprises me to see them walking on the ice

or chilling in small pools on the edge. 

Not the most romantic type of courtship season, if you ask me.

.

The funniest is when they fly and land with a huge slide on the ice

skidding like a bad plane landing.

At this time of year you will also see a raft of them exiting onto the walking path

if they see someone willing to share some food.

They appear to be a lot friendlier, not so quick to scoot away,

when they are cold and hungry.

I'm looking forward to warmer waters for them

and showing off their little broods come Spring.