A Ducky Family
Half-breed ducks at Springfield Park in Rowlett, Texas. — Photo by Pat Bean
When I first began bird watching, a flock of ducks like this had me scrambling through my guidebooks over and over in my efforts to identify them. A seasoned birder finally took pity on me and explained that they were hybrids, half mallard-and half something else, usually the white domestic ducks that hang about in civilized ponds.
“You won’t find them in any birding field guide, and the AOU (American Ornithological Union) discounts them as a legitimate bird species,” he said. “And they can’t reproduce,” he said.
These days I recognize such hybrids immediately. And in my crazy mind, they speak to me about how life, in all of its forms, is constantly trying to renew itself.
Pat Bean's blog 
An interesting photo, an interesting fact, and an interesting personal takeaway. What more could anyone ask of a favorite blogger.
Thanks Al.
One airbase I was at for a while had fifteen geese, that were part of the station, Each Chief Clerk had to count and sign for them, they were on rations and had service numbers to identify them. They were ugly, old and cantankerous, having endured years of this life. I wonder what happened to them when the base closed, never will find out I guess. There was a panic when three died in a storm, new blood was introduced but the squabbling was terrible for week. Had to be separated in the end.
Anyway, just an aside to your Ducks,
Jim
There were geese at the Sam Houston Army Base when my son was stationed there. He warned me that they were mean and not to get too close to them. But while I was closer to them than my son, they saw him and headed straight for him, sending him running. They didn’t even look my way. Loved your story.