Ducks

Today I found myself walking to the car by way of the BYU duck pond. This pond was once known as the botany pound until someone introduced the ducks which quickly destroyed most of the plant life. In any case I decided to stop and observe ducks in this habitat for a few moments before running along with my day. It was really amusing to watch them scatter into the water as I approached and then to see them swim around and nip at each other, preen as if preparing to go to some grand event. Then suddenly every duck in the pond looked to the west and began to rush to the shore. The object of their desire, a three year old with her mommy. I found it interesting that the child held no food in her hand nor did her mother, but the ducks gathered expectantly around the three year old. (still avoiding me) Their attention was rewarded with a few bits of bread, and the ensuing stamped of webbed feet caused the mother to lift her daughter into the air to avoid duck bites. I took a step forward and the ducks ran. It then occurred to me that ducks are not known for a great sense of smell (they do have a rather strong smell however) but these particular ducks have been classically trained to come waddling when ever a small child approaches. Thus I think that the duck pond must be renamed once more to the Psychology pond.

p.s. Yes I took the picture.