| The nature trail through the marsh/river across from Holy Cross has presented us with many an interesting critter. We’ve seen deer, black snakes, muskrats and turtles. Our avian sightings have included Great Blue Herons, Kingfishers, Red-winged Blackbirds, and assorted warblers. Once, we even met up with a Bob White strolling back and forth in front of us along the promenade. There hasn’t been a shortage of aquatic birds, mostly Canada Geese and Mallards. However, for the past week, we noticed a Mallard flock of about 15-20 had an interesting guest!
 What was an adult male Hooded Merganser doing in that flock? There he was, swimming up and down the river with the flock – just one of the guys. Occasionally, he’d disappear in a dive for food. Then, back up he’d pop to join the crowd. He seemed especially to bond with a  Mallard couple. Yang thinks that he was adopted as a duckling. Who knows? What do you think? He is quite the beauty. If only people could be as welcoming to the “different” as these birds. After all, we’re all ducks.
|
Sharon Healy-Yang 