Posted by Alex on March 22, 2003 at 11:44:21:
I found a domestic duck, a.k.a. farm duck, in the salt water bay at Morningside Park about an hour and a half ago. It was not there yesterday. There was a huge bbq there las night, and I suspect the duck is there because of that. Problem is: It has ribbons tied around each leg, but he can still swim easily. He is not suppost to be in salt water, but I have seen muscovys in the bay, but I don't think a domestic duck can take the salt water. Me and my mom tried to catch it but it evaded us. We want to catch it, cut off the ribbons, take it to Pelican Island Bird Hospital, then either us release it or Pelican Island can release it. It's a beautiful bird, and I don't want it to die.
We gave it a whole load of bread, bird seed, and a tub of fresh water. I will tell everyone how it's doing soon. Any suggestions will be helpful.
Also while at the park, I found a sharp-shinned chasing a vulture, and found two calling Florida Prairie Warblers in the mangroves at the park. MANY frigatebirds around, including 23 yesterday. One flew
about 30 feet away from me while chasing a gull for a
catch at while I was in my seaside treehouse at the bay. The treehouse is perfect for relaxing in and watching Florida Prairie Warblers. I have one question: Do gulls ofen stay in small flocks just about six inches above the water towards dusk? Or am I looking at willet far out in Biscayne Bay?