Harriet Got Knocked Up

So,

Two weeks ago, at the salon, we had visitors.

This is Harriet.  She and the Mr. came a callin’ and we just couldn’t refuse them.  We fed them the crackers we had and even went and bought a loaf of bread.

If we left the doors open, they’d stroll on in and look up at us with those hungry duck eyes.  Out would come the crackers and bread.  They’d follow us out the door and have a snack.

Then, they got a little too comfy.  Their indoor privileges have been revoked.

They stand outside our glass door and tap with their bills.  We give in.  We’re softies.  We go out and feed them.  Ozzie eats plenty, but Harriet eats A LOT.  A girl’s gotta maintain her figure, right?

Well, they stroll thru the neighborhood every day.  They probably hit all the neighbors up for food.  Scroungers.  Sometimes Harriet comes without Ozzie.  He can be a little flighty.

They have visited almost every day for two weeks.  Monday they came to see us and ate crackers and had plenty to say.  THEN, yesterday, our neighbor, Michael, told us that Harriet at made a nest at the end of our building.

She found a warm, dry spot under a utility box.  She carefully crafted her new home and started taking care of business.  She’d gotten knocked up.  She knew she had to settle down and prepare for motherhood. (no wonder she’s been eating so much!)   And, Ozzie?  Well, he’s out partying.  Haven’t seen him in two days.  Probably smoking cigars and drinking vodka.  Typical duck.  Have a romp in the hay, go about your business.

So,

I googled Muscovy Ducks.  Kinda interesting, actually.  Found out that Harriet will sit on that nest for about 35 days.  She’ll leave for 20 minutes to 1.5 hours every morning to eat, drink, bathe and, ahem, do her business, then get right back to the house and take care of that baby.  It also said they’d lay 6-8 eggs.  Seems Ozzie has been slacking.  There’s only one egg.

So,

We check on Harriet every-so-often.  We keep our distance because when we get too close, she hisses at us.  Yes, baby, we know you’re guarding your fam.  And, Ozzie?  Still no sight of him.

So,

We wait patiently till mid-April when our little bundle of joy arrives.  And, Ozzie, well, I’ll let ya know if he comes around……