Another lackluster weather day for our weekend. The Heavens were conflicted this morning because one minute it was a bruised and angry-looking sky with the occasional sprinkle of rain thrown in for good measure, and then suddenly an expanse of blue sky appeared with a pale sun peeking through. Whether this weather was somewhat of a shady deal or not this morning, I was itching for a long walk, so I set out for Council Point Park, toting my usual bag full of bread and peanuts, but I also took along an umbrella since I didn’t want to get doused by a cold rain before arriving home. I haven’t bought any more bread for the ducks since they’ve not been around, however, I had hung onto some ancient tortilla wraps “just in case”, and though they didn’t’ look too appetizing to me, they were still good. I tore them up into bite-sized pieces figuring I’d toss ‘em out onto the water and say “Hola! Happy Cinco de Mayo one day early” to whatever water fowl swam up to meet me. Unfortunately, there were still no takers as the ducks are still missing in action. Along the path, however, I treated my usual squirrel buddies to some peanuts, then decided on a whim to walk along River Drive to Lions Park which is like a mini-version of Council Point Park, since it runs parallel to the Ecorse Creek and also has a looped walking path. Walking this route and through two parks is a five-mile trip, and a quick glance at the sky, which had now turned bright blue, told me it was “doable” without getting soaked or ending up with shin splints. When I arrived, I was the only one there and it was quiet and peaceful. I went down near the banks of the creek and I must have scared a huge cottontail bunny who darted out of the brush and hopped past me, flashing a fluffy, white, powder-puff tail. After he departed in a flash, I composed myself since he had startled me as well, and I edged closer to the rippling water and peered through some trees. It was then that I saw them … three ducks still fast asleep and two Canada geese standing guard over them in the creek nearby. Each of the ducks was sleeping, as all birds do, on one leg with their head tucked under their wing. All five of the water fowl were oblivious to the bunny and me so I had a good view of them … for a few minutes anyway. Lest they should awake and I’d miss the shot, I clicked off a few pictures of the sleeping beauties, though unfortunately the sun had dipped behind the clouds once again making the area a little darkish. Soon thereafter the geese waddled from the water and headed over to their counter-parts on shore. I decided it was time to share my tortilla tidbits with them and tossed some across the expanse between us. The geese grabbed a few morsels, and their sudden rustling movements woke up the ducks. Another handful of bread bites was thrown over to my feathered friends and soon the ducks similarly waddled over to get some breakfast. They were a trio of male mallards. All too soon my treat supply was gone and I wished I had more to offer. They hung around a few minutes and I snapped a few more pictures of them which I will share in later posts. I will try to get to Lions Park more often to see if this is a regular duck “hangout” or just a stopping place for today. They were probably feeling pretty smug about getting all the treats while somewhere their brethren are scrounging for food, but … truthfully, it was I who felt like the “lucky duck” today.