For the twelve years that the wife and I have been here in Boerne (pronounced burn e) we have become accustomed to slowing down for the ducks crossing River Road along the Cibolo Creek/pond. The pond has become a landmark for the city.

With picnic benches all along the bank and ducks of all types awaiting a handout from picnickers and passers-by, River Road traffic is always on the lookout for ducks in the street.

About a month ago, Donald and his duck wife, Daisy elected to build a nest under a bush in front of the Dodging Duck restaurant – a clever name, considering the high volume of duck traffic.

Soon Daisy could be seen sitting on several eggs with Donald standing guard a few feet away.. Donald insisted on standing in a parkway a few feet from the curb. With Donald's peculiar choice of station, orange traffic cones were strategically placed to alert drivers.

In spite of these efforts, last week Donald was hit by a car. A local veterinarian examined Donald and found no broken bones. He seemed paralyzed yet pain free.

Donald apparently traumatized initially is now projected to make a full recovery. In addition to receiving a bath every day at the local vet hospital to remove insects, Donald is also the proud owner of a small portable swimming pool lovingly placed near Daisy, who continues to sit on the eggs.

Only in Boerne, a hop, skip and jump away from the mainstream. The local newspaper, www.boernestar.com, has followed the adventures of this brave little fellow with front page pictures and articles for the past three Friday's.

—Randall Young...aka...Maxx 

info added 6/24/10:

Donald and Daisy are now the proud parents of seven goslings. Donald is receiving constant care and the entire family has been moved to a safer area away from on-going traffic. Donald and wife Daisy have garnered state wide attention. A contest to name the ducklings has been started!

All materials displayed in LivingMS are protected by copyright law.