Feeding Frenzy

It was the perfect fall day- bright yellow sun, clear blue sky, slight warm breeze, vibrant vivid colors on nearly every tree and bush, the grass a lush shade of green. It was begging you spend the daylight hours outdoors, soaking in the rays and basking in its Autumn glory. Joggers were here and there and every car had windows and sunroofs open, letting in the clean, crisp air.

I knew where we were needed. Called to if you will. The little neighborhood pond just down from our house. The ducks needed to be fed.

Armed with a tutu skirt, a Baby Bjorn, 2 bags of bread and a sackful of McDonald's in hand, we were ready.

As we drove up, the ducks sensed our reason for coming- Food. They were up to the car doors quacking before we even unbuckled. We were surrounded by feathers and eager beaks. I unstrapped the girls and carefully secured the baby in the pack. Before I even got around to the open the door for the girls, the ducks were in place, mouths open and ready.

Kaitlyn, being a bit more cautious, was leary of the ducks and their close, right up next to you, proximity. Brynn, being a free spirit, leaped out of the car and immediately began tossing bread left and right.

At first the girls giggled as the ducks casually roamed next to them. They even tried to get a quick pet on the their backs while the birds feasted.

It took just moments for the old loaves to disappear. Brynn and Kaitlyn hadn't had their fill of giving food to the ducks and the ducks bellies were not yet full enough to be content. Soon french fries were flung onto the grass and gobbled up at a rapid pace. The ducks were not picky eaters.

When that too was gone, it was obvious they all wanted more- the girls and the ducks. But the answer was clear. We were simply out of food.

Instead of lamenting our lack of bread, Brynn began to dance and twirl and shuffle (aka kick) and soon the ducks were returning to the water to escape her wild moves.

We sat on the bench overlooking the pond so the girls could finish their lunch. Kaitlyn sipped on the drink while Brynn arranged her hot mustard so she could happily dip her nuggets.

It took only seconds for the smell of grease and meat to reach the seemingly lazy ducks floating out on the water. One after another they exited the pond and marched up the hill, ready for their second course.

I laughed seeing the waddles and swishes of feathers as they came to claim their prize, but knew we had done our part and the food sharing time was spent.

But those small things are trickier than you think and before we knew it, we were ambushed. Little did we know that squadron number two had come up on the rear and descended on our picnic. Two beaks appeared in the space between the seat and the back rest snapping at the paper bag. Ducks in front moved forward. Brynn knew we were outnumbered and made a desperate attempt to get the nugget in her hand straight to her mouth.

In the blink of an eye, a large white duck lurched forward and ripped the nugget right from Brynn's moving hand.

Shock and disbelief spread across the girls faces. Then came the screams- for the stolen food and for the fear they now felt.

Brynn pointed and yelled, "That mama duck ate my nugget! Hers is a PIGGIE! I no yike (like) her!"

Kaitlyn, who was already teetering on tears was now hysterical as the ducks fought over the chicken, while others were coming close for their piece.

I quickly came to my girls aid shooing the offending ducks away while trying to collect them and food at the same time while Zach was asleep in the pack strapped to my chest.

The ducks were not to be deterred and followed us to the car, quacking and quacking, obviously asking for a third helping.

I shooed them again and they began to retreat as we all climbed safely into the car.

Brynn kept yelling what a piggie that duck was to steal her nuggie. Kaitlyn was just happy to have a huge piece of metal separating her from the birds.

I just thought what a sight we would have been to see for anyone passing by- a pack mule mom running away from a pack of birds.

While it might not have been the perfect duck feeding, I know that every time I drive past that little pond I'll have a smile on my face when I think of that 'piggie mama duck' and our quick escape- girls and baby in my arms- and the smiles of relief when we all were back in the car.

I know my girls will not agree to feed the ducks for a while, but I am so glad we had our little adventure together.

It's always the unusual outings that manage to make a deep impression in your brain, allowing you to recall the event long after it has passed. And this is one that I'll be chuckling about for a long time to come.