A Sense of Direction July 12, 2009

Photo: Adam Sachs
July 12, 2009– A Sense of Direction
     East, my very favourite duck has been slowing down over the last few months.  Whether age and condition made her easier prey for the tyrannical Duckie, or Duckie was speeding up her downhill slide, he was constantly badgering her, pulling feathers off her neck, leaving her [...]

Gum & Doodle April 1, 2009

 Apr. 1, 2009– Gum & Doodle
     On Sunday the new roosters came, sent by our friends Bill & Patrick, with a little note listing names and personalities.  My friend Siobhan was transporting them, five in all, and I was choosing two. 
     Gum is a rather dishevelled looking Silkie, grey and messy, feathers sticking out in [...]

March of Pigs March 17, 2009

March 16, 2009– March of Pigs
     The tepid March weather continues lamb-like, soft and warm, full of sunshine.  The animals rejoice in the spring. The ducks are canvassing the lawn, digging through the mucky earth with their beaks.  The horses are galloping and bucking and rolling–Hope’s thick coat is now matted in mud which cannot be [...]

Ridley January 23, 2009

    
Jan. 22, 2009–Ridley
     The new duck arrived.  I named him Ridley, as the call about the duck came just moments before we settled in to watch a Ridley Scott film.  He is a lovely male Rouen– with a gorgeous green head and orange feet.   Wildlife Rescue saved him after someone noticed him in  drainage ditch.  [...]

Beloved Battery Hens January 15, 2009

Jan. 14, 2009– Beloved Battery Hens
     True to my word, rather than being annoyed at Duckie’s explosive, yet chronic temper,  I am observing him as merely a caricature of Donald Duck, and laughing silently at him.  I’m not sure if he intuits this, or if he hates me more than usual, but today he was downright [...]

The Duckman January 13, 2009

Jan. 13, 2008– The Duckman
     I am reluctant to admit this, but despite wishful thinking, Duckie (the duckling saved from a roadside) resembles nothing of Jon Cryer’s character in Pretty in Pink.   The truth is, this duck isn’t funny or quirky or endearing.  He’s a bit of a jerk. 
     We generally have a pretty peaceful [...]

Quack December 12, 2008

Dec. 11, 2008– Quack
     Quack, is and always has been, the odd duck out.  She arrived here just over a year ago, from a farm where she was kept in a  crowded pen with many other ducks.  I’ve no idea how she coped.  Quack, sadly, is truly the bottom of the pecking order amongst the ducks [...]