Here is a heartwarming video for a cold Saturday (at least cold here on the West bank of the Hudson River.) A body surfing pet duck on Australia’s Gold Coast has become a local celebrity for riding the waves.
Kate Miller and her son take their pet duck, affectionately, if unimaginatively called “Duck”, to the beach every day to swim. The duck picked up body surfing apparently on its own. In an interview with the BBC, Kate Miller commented, “I would be confident in saying that he is the only duck like it in the world.”
Ms. Miller, however, appears to be wrong. A quick Youtube search reveals videos of surfing ducks from around the world, from a river in West Virginia, to a New Zealand lake, to Italy, to Lake Michigan, to Cape Cod, and at an artificial wave park.
So, while Duck may not be absolutely unique, it does have a certain undeniable charisma.
Surfing duck: Pet becomes local celebrity at Australian beach BBC NEWS
She must be quackers.
But a great feelgood story in these times, thanks.
I smiled when I watched the video and then again at Peter Wright’s comment.
A lot of birds enjoy playing, whether it be starlings flocking, blue tits sliding down car windscreens or pet parrots sliding down banister rails.
I watched seagulls lined up along the roof ridge of a building taking turns to glide up into the air and hover before returning to the ridge without flapping their wings in a strong onshore breeze. It was almost as if they were having a contest and awarding each other points for style, grace and smoothness of landing.
There is not much else to look at in St Vaast on a wet and windy day.
Great work Duck! Getting tubed with the best of them!
Now we need to see Duck team up with the surfing bulldog!
Thanks for the happy content.