[CT Birds] Harlequin at Mill Pond in Farmington

[Kathy Van Der Aue]

I have read that it is not good to throw bread to ducks as it is not a good 
food source for them.  Does anyone know of a good food that could be 
substituted?  am I wrong on this?  maybe it *is OK to throw bread.

Kathy Van Der Aue, Southport, CT
kvda at optonline.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Judith E. Stevens" <judithestevens at charter.net>
To: <ctbirds at lists.ctbirding.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 5:42 AM
Subject: [CT Birds] Harlequin at Mill Pond in Farmington


> The owners and staff of Grist Mill Restaurant from which I've sat and
> enjoyed lunch told us that they had noticed the harlequin for a couple of
> weeks prior to the first posting.  Everyone at GM enjoys the
> attention the duck is getting, and appreciate those of us who have been
> "paying" for our front row restaurant seat and a delicious meal.
> I've noticed that since my last sighting, the juv. male is much darker and
> is starting to have the beautiful rusty flanks of a breeding male.  He 
> enjoys
> all the handouts and heads towards the shore at 'feeding' time.  Scraps
> of veggies and bread thrown in yesterday were easily nabbed by the geese
> and mallards and our "Harry" (nicknamed by the owner) was only able to
> snag a small piece of bread.  I watched him hurry off and try to consume 
> it
> before an aggressive female mallard chased him.  I've thanked the owners
> several times for their hospitality but they would very much appreciate 
> more
> birders as clients.  Food is great, and the ambiance outstanding.  No, I'm 
> not
> paid to promote GM, just appreciative.....Judith in Southbury
>
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