They know what they know and what they know they dread. Everything is fine as long as we're putting on boots and the jackets that hang in the cupboard in the mudroom. It's when we go over to the clothes cupboard in the foyer that they pay careful attention. And the shoes, that too. They know in all likelihood they're going to be left alone at home. That we'll be abandoning them. We speak reassuringly to them, assure them we'll be back home shortly. And whenever we do return, they're cosseted and given treats.

 

To no avail. It's Jackie who does the detective work, and Jillie who awaits his verdict; he poking his head around the corner of the family room, peering at us studiously as he watches us in the mudroom preparing to leave. When his suspicion becomes a certainty, he joins Jillie in the family room and together they chorus their misery in high-pitched howling; perfect unison. Each howl begins on a high, plaintively piercing note and gradually the decibels lower, and then they start again.

 

 

When we know we'll be going out in the afternoon without them we always ensure they have a good vigorous run through the forest trails beforehand. And so, off we went with them early in the afternoon of today's balmy temperature of 19C, under an ocean of blue and the warmth of the sailing sun. They had a good trot-about, and we once again congratulated nature on presenting us with a perfect day.

 

We took a trail that partnered with the creek. The reasoning being that such a lovely day that pleased us so mightily might certainly have a similar effect on the Mallards, thinking they might grace us with their presence. And so they did. The pair was in residence, and we watched as the female dabbled incessantly, her back-end raised while her head and neck immersed in the swiftly moving creek, eating microscopic plants and insects alike. The male seemed more interested in keeping watch.

 

 

She is drab, her feathers brown-mottled by comparison to his bright iridescent-green head and bright orange feet, paddling along beside her. Soon, he  joins her in exploring the under-water aquarium breeding algae and other tasty bits of nutrition beloved of ducks. She seems to hover in place while she's dabbling, while he vigorously paddles. They gradually make their way upstream.

 

Jackie and Jillie don't seem to notice them. They've other fish to fry. Exploring, for example, not only intriguing fragrances, but delectable items they find on the forest floor. Including twigs which they both find irresistible, chewing on them as though they are actually edible. Edible items are those that Irving brings along in a little pack, and it wasn't long before Jackie and Jillie were joined by some of their friends knowing Irving for a reliable source of dog cookies.

Before we left the ravine, I turned back to look beyond the creek, at the forest canopy. Just then a large grey-blue form rose and floated through the air, and I realized that the Great Blue Heron had arrived back at the creek along with the ducks, on their reverse migration. The heron was soon lost to sight as it soared and filtered itself through the trees.