Ever since my stay in Yosemite in the summer of 2008, I have felt a special bond with the animals that I encounter in my life. Much more so than I do with the animal known as human. And one of the things I love about my new office is the access I have to nature there. We have turtles, squirrels, geese and ducks.

I enjoy feeding the ducks and geese and just walking around the complex taking it all in. And today was no different until I meet her.

I was walking along the edge of the lake at the complex when I notice what I thought to be a deceased duck. It was still and lifeless. But then I saw 2-3 other ducks come upon it and start to "attack" it by pecking at its back and neck. So I walked over and the other ducks scattered. I squatted down to look at the duck that was lying there and saw it head move.. I knew at that point she was still alive.

I started to pet the duck and say words of comfort to her. While some say that ducks don't understand English, I was hoping that it at least she understood my action, that I meant it no harm and was there to comfort and help anyway I could. A couple of people watched in amazement as I petted and spoke to the duck. I'm sure they were wondering how I was able to get so close to it.

I picked it up in my arms and walked closer to the lakes edge when she "signaled" me to let it down. I let the duck down into the water and it seemed to spring back to life. I was feeling good about that. But then a group of other mallards came and started again attacking the poor creature. I could not let this happen.

I picked her up again and proceeded to walk to an area of the lake that did not have ducks and had a lot of bushes. I was going to try to hide her in the bushes away from the other ducks in the hope that she could recover. I said some more words of comfort and returned to my office. It was a long walk back up the hill and the rest of the day as she was on my mind.

I went out a couple more times to check on her before heading home for the day. Some other ducks had moved closer to the area she was at, but they did not seem to bother her. She was breathing heavily and the fly's had started to gather on the area that had been stripped bare of feathers. If you look closely at the picture you can see the area I am talking about.

Anyway, I took a final picture and headed home. But something is gnawing at me inside. I know that animals sometimes attack "outsiders" and that it is the survival of the fittest. But I am sure she was in a lot of pain and may not even understand why she was attacked. Was she attacked because she was not part of the group? Or was she attacked by male ducks while breeding? (male ducks can be brutal when they mate with a female.) It just pains me to see an animal suffer.

So I thought that if I at least write down my thoughts and feelings it would help. I am crying while typing these words. I am hoping that tomorrow she is still there and alive. At least I feel a bit better. BTW, how do I know she was a female.. Not sure why, but I just know.. something I sense.

Will update this tomorrow with some hopefully good news. Till then, love an animal,it will make your day a whole lot better.