Happy Friday and a very Happy Valentines’ Day to you.  I hope you get to share some part of this day with the one you love.

The last few visits to the 16th Street Basin have been for naught.  We usually stop there before going to the river because in years past there has been an abundance of wildlife throughout the Winter.  Not so this year.  Perhaps because of the severity of the weather or some other factor they have just not been stopping by the Basin.

Last Sunday when Jeanne and I returned from our fruitless trip to Guttenberg, we decided to do our usual drive by of the Basin.  This time we were delighted to see that one small corner of the Basin had some open water and it was crammed full of ducks and geese.  So we pulled over for a better look.

We spent close to a half hour watching this scene play out.  This little duck jabbed into the water and came up with this fish.  He promptly went to the solid ice to grab some bites of it.  One of the females had other ideas and she was relentless in her pursuit of him.  It was kind of like watching the old Keystone Cops.  He would try every serpentine movement imaginable but to no avail as she was on him like glue. 🙂

It wasn’t long before others including a larger goose got in on the chase.  Sort of the way life is.  This little duck was innovative and hard-working.  He found a way to get some food. Then others who were not interested in working for it tried to take it away from him.  Sound familiar?   There are those who walk among us that see life as a zero sum game.  If you have something or enjoy success that some how diminishes their chances.

Well eventually the big goose got the fish away from the hapless duck and took it back to the water.  Problem is there were others who were as larcenous as he was and they pursued him with great intensity.  Jeanne and I watched this play out for almost a half an hour.  It was funny at times but as I reflected on it kind of sad as well.

The big goose finally lost the fish to a smaller quicker duck and then we decided to move on.  I had the D4 set to burst mode so I shot about 200 images of this struggle.  No, don’t worry, I won’t show you more of the great fish caper.  I just thought you might enjoy it today.

Again I wish you Happy Valentines’ Day.  I realize that I am the luckiest man alive.  At least once a week from friends and acquaintances, I will hear, “Your poor wife.”  She is a treasure to be sure.  When she smiles the world is brighter.  She is truly a wonder.

Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy your day and be careful.