As we entered Bishop on the 395, excited to start our adventure, we saw some cars slowing down in front of us. Curious and impatient, we peered around to see a 3 inch puff of black and yellow feathers waddling across the street, heading directly into oncoming traffic. Each car took a look and slowly started back toward their destination but I could not pull my horrified eyes away from what was about to happen. This baby duck, only two days old, had somehow been separated from his mother only to end up smack dab in the middle of a busy highway, dodging semi-trucks driven by oblivious men on a mission that didn't include braking for anything, especially a supposedly insignificant life.
I watched as the helpless duck took a few steps forward in front of a truck traveling at close to 35mph. I gasped as it sped passed and watched the whirlwind from the tires pick up the tiny bird and throw him back to where he started. He began to walk again, trying desperately to avoid the seemingly giant cars and trucks zooming across his path. Heather, watching in awe, looked at me and asked what we should do. My heart was in my chest, I was squinting at every car, every near death experience, panicking as I watched this little creature almost die a tragic death over and over. I screamed for her to stop the car. Without hesitation I swung the passenger door open, leaped out and ran to the median. Filled with the overwhelming need to do something, anything, I darted into the middle of the highway. A scream hit my lips as I watched the duck roll in the street after a car drove directly over him, the force sending him tumbling deeper into traffic. I couldn't think, I was overcome with irrational hatred for our way of life, for the carelessness of every driver whizzing past without even realizing the impact they were having. I held my breath and focused on nothing but the baby in front of me, helpless and scared. I ran. I ran without looking, I didn't care if I was hit, I didn't care what it took, I was going to save this duck. My legs propelled me forward at a speed I'd never experienced. I was weightless. I had a purpose. As I sprinted across the busy street I lowered my hand and felt my fingers wrap around cold feeble legs and lift the ball of feathers into the air all in one sweeping motion. Before I knew it, I was on the other side, panting as adrenaline rushed through my bones, standing in a grassy lot staring at my roommate still parked in the middle of the street. I was in shock. I looked down at the foreign object sitting peacefully in my hands as though nothing had happened. He was a baby. He had that look that every baby has no matter what their species, the innocent eyes, filled with curiosity and undeserved trust. He looked up at me as though he knew he was now OK, that's when I realized, in that moment of chaos, I had become Mama.
Heather pulled her car into the parking lot, looking at me like I was crazy and I'm sure, wondering what the hell I was going to do now. I figured I would walk around, check out the local stream and hopefully find a mother duck wandering around aimlessly but there were no ducks. Not a duck in sight. I decided to call the local bird rescue but since it was a weekend there was no answer. Now, running late to our floatopia, I made the decision that after all I'd done, I couldn't leave the little guy lost in the park just to end up back in the street so I decided I would raise him. Heather laughed when I told her my plan. This is where the tolerant part comes in, she somehow agreed, knowing the ridiculous amount of bird poop that would inevitably fill our rented condo. A warmth came over me as I sat back down in the car and laid this perfect little being on my chest. He stared at me as I studied his form. Big round expressive eyes, soft rabbit like fluff where feathers would eventually grow in, a little yellow beak, and surprisingly big feet and long toes. I had grown up with animals but never birds and this one was alien to me. I had no idea where to start, how to feed him, or where he would sleep but none of that mattered. He was my responsibility and I would care for him the best I could. Step one, he would float the river with me.
We continued on our way to the Owen's, car packed with beer and floaties and one special stow away, my new found feathered love, Patito.
To be continued...
