The Winter Ducks ~ Goldeneyes are Back!

They’re here!

as the last leaves
fall into the ocean
the winter ducks arrive
on Indian Arm
a November blast of wind
ruffles black and white feathers
the Goldeneye ducks
are back

every day is a show
a gathering
a raft of ducks
one or two
a few
clustered in the cove

they put on a show
a water ballet
making gentle wake patterns
forming a V
trailing in a long line
around the island
rising up with a flapping of wings
strutting across the sand

along rocks and docks
it’s a feeding frenzy
diving
popping up
disappearing
resurfacing
submerging
looking for mussels

startled, the flock lifts off
wings whistling
flying low over the water
they turn and as one
skim the surface
landing feet first
like a troupe of water skiers

on sunny days
foggy mornings
in the wind and rain

the winter ducks perform
until
a warm April breeze
calls them
elsewhere
then they’re gone
to hidden nests
in mountain lakes

I’ll look for you
next
November!