Our Little Duckling Is All Grown Up!!!!

A week ago Saturday we released our little duckling that we had raised over the summer. My children named her, Rex (it is very difficult to tell a female from a male duckling), because she looked like a T-rex with her short little 'arms'. When she first came to us she was yellow and fuzzy. Over the summer, through the help of my kids and all the staff at the hospital, we were able to raise her to become a fine young Mallard hen.

Friends of ours, that have a beautiful place on a quiet lake, allowed us to release her there. It was a cool and blustery day. My family and Joe and Linda all walked down to the beach. My son set down the carrier on the beach, opened the door and without hesitation Rexy walked out of the carrier. She calmly evaluated the situation and then flew. Simple as that. It was breath taking. We were all a little surprised it happened so fast. She had never flown before, but she immediately new what to do and what a beautiful job! We were pleased that she did not try to stick next to us or act scared. We had done our job well. She was a WILD duck.

Afterward, we stayed and visited, hoping to catch a glimpse of her before we left. Linda was concerned that she had not seen any Mallards in the area for at least 2 weeks. But, before we left we spotted her with two other Mallards! Since then Linda reports that they are sticking in the general area, but Rex has never returned looking for her carrier.