tamarabb's Identifications

We went on a walk with a Mallard!

My Mom and I began our stroll by Oakbank Pond. As we went, I noticed a drake floating around in the waterlogged ditch between the street and houses. It was deep enough for him to swim in. A swim he did, quickly pushing forward down the block. We kept pace with him.

Even with obstacles, the duck stayed on course. He'd head under tunnels and come out the other end, manoeuvre around thick reeds, and when the stream became shallow, he'd continue on foot, returning to the water once it deepened again. Nothing could stop him!

Eventually, the ditch met a culvert beneath the road and we lost sight of the Mallard. But our walk went on until we crossed the street and started heading back to the pond. On the way, we reached the Macdonald House, a historical site in Thornhill. For the first time, we realised the property was open for the public to explore, so we did just that.

Upon entering the space, we were greeted by that same stream. We looked over to the left and there he was, peacefully preening his feathers on a fallen branch. Our friend the Mallard! He must have known about this spot longer than we have. Thanks to him, we do too!