At last Virginia is with her full crew, and possibly, for the first time in her life, with fellow duck friends. And is she ever ecstatic about it! The beginning of February Gene was still fighting his eye issue, but we couldn’t take Virginia being alone anymore, so we moved her in with Morgan and Elen and moved Gene and Nan to Virginia’s spot…after a lot of disinfecting. Gene and Nan weren’t necessarily pleased to be moved out of their main yard, but they were good sports about it and at least they had each other. Virginia moved in like she had always been there and in charge. A wee bit bossy and confident for such a sweet little duck, she just came in and took over. Morgan and Elen were slightly confused initially about the change and Virginia’s confidence, but they are so sweet, they were so patient and kind and just let her do her thing. It didn’t take long for them to become the 3 Muskateers, soon following each other around, foraging for bugs, and napping together. Morgan took his role as protector very seriously and would often guard his ladies as they napped in their house midday. Virginia has continued to do great, enjoying her friends and the much bigger yard to explore and forage.

Gene continues to fight his eye/upper respiratory issue, but we were able to get his eye and nasal discharge to improve quite a bit with just a warm compress twice a day, and get him to a point where we were comfortable putting the group back together. Was Virginia ever excited!! She ran over like they were her long lost friends. She was slightly protective of Morgan and Elen, but clearly so excited to have duck companions. Gene and Nan were, unfortunately, not very welcoming at first…I think they were a bit upset that they had been moved out and she took their space. They strutted around the yard as if to be checking out if anything had changed since they left. Nanny wanted to be sure Virginia knew she was the boss, and Virginia seemed ok with that, but her bossiness and disinterest did not turn Virginia away, she was determined she was going to be a part of this duck group, if they liked it or not! Sure, enough, her determination has paid off and the three of them are always napping side by side, often with Morgan and Elen as well.

Tulips checking in to make sure all is ok

It was such a long time coming, but they are finally together! Nan has learned many of Virginia’s ways, like to stand as close to my face as possible and quack while I give Morgan his meds at night, wanting her treats. This is a new thing. And Virginia helps Nan guard Gene any time they think I might come interrupt whatever they may be doing. Every evening as I walk by to start pm chores, she runs up to the fence to greet me and let me know they are ready for bedtime snacks. She is the sweetest little thing, with so much personality. We just love her and she is a definite favorite of our young volunteers. We are so thankful she is doing well and they are finally all able to be together.

Volunteer, Kayla, one of Virginia’s biggest fans.

~ Namaste

Virginia With Her Friends at Last

Happy Earth Day!

Baby Birds