"Don't Feed the Ducks ...

... unless you want to eat with the ducks." That should be a sign posted outside our cafeteria. We have two ponds here on campus that are frequented by an array of ducks and Canadian geese (not sure when they actually go to Candada...they're always here). They have been a staple here for years, but not until this semester did we get used to their little billed faces peering in through the caf's window walls. It's quite a journey for them to get there, the nearest pond is a good 300 feet or so down a grassy hill, so I'm not sure how they got their little waddly bodies up there all the time. (The excursion must be what makes them take to napping in front of the door...) However, the motivation is clear: food. Threesome's constantly quack at your feet as soon as you crack open the door. It is cute, so pushing the door open to exit the caf two weekends ago I looked down and said cutely, "Hi, ducky," wishing I had remembered to bring some bread. But, the duck didn't stop at my feet it kept walking in and began wandering around from table to table with shouts to me, "Don't let it in!" (Like I meant to. Sheesh!) I immediately, after the innitial standstill shock, began trying to shoo little ducky out. Someone suggested bread, so when others began to help try and get the duck to waddle to the door I went for bread. The duck did leave, but I was sooo embarrassed. I slipped out the back entrance. I didn't feel as dumb today after lunch, though. Someone else accidently let a duck in, too. Fhew. Just like my duck, it tried to fly out the glass wall only to slam, "bang!" and fall to the ground. Nevertheless, the dining hall should really post that sign--before we're always eating with ducks! And before we start seeing half-billed ducks peering in through the windows...