There are days at The Great Urban Ark when you find yourself simply sitting and wondering what on earth happened.

Drake... is a DUCK? Photo Angelique Jurd.

A recent Saturday was one such day – and for once the cause was not The Terrible Twins.

Regulars may remember we have a new Indian Runner Duck – Quackers.

Carefully selected to be a companion to our Indian Runner Drake (this is important so don’t forget it) – Quackers has been sitting on an enormous nest of eggs for some time now, much to the delight of passersby.

She has somewhat inconveniently made the nest in the rock garden – making it difficult to get to in order to inspect the eggs to see if they are viable.

Yes I realise she has done this quite deliberately – and I’m sure knowing what many of you know about the rest of the Ark’s residents you don’t blame  her – but I really do need to check these eggs.

Approaching the nest if Quackers has decided to leave for a drink or some food is pretty much tantamount to taking your life in your own hands.

Never underestimate the speed, noise, or aggression of a broody duck is all I am saying – and Ozzie would back me up.

He made the mistake of wandering past recently.

I’m quite sure he had some mischief in mind but at the time he did look quite innocent, for all the good it did him.

Quackers chased him the length of the garden and I’ve noticed Ozzie has not ventured out the front since.

Anyway, I was sitting on the balcony reading a book and sipping a glass of wine late in the afternoon in question. 

Out on the lawn Master 12 and a group of his friends were mucking around with a soccer ball, after being admonished to ‘watch out for the ducks’.

Quackers was nesting in the sun and Scooter was sitting on the lawn behind the boys – appearing to watch the game.

He seemed quite interested really – well as interested as an Indian Runner Duck can appear at any rate.

In fact there was something about his posture that intrigued me and I put aside my book and wine.

Scooter then quacked, stood up and walked away, leaving behind him … an egg.

My two year old Indian Runner Drake is … A DUCK.

He is a SHE.

TMoTH heard me spluttering and came running – only to collapse in laughter on hearing the news.

It was Miss 10 who finally pointed out the obvious – if Scooter is a girl – what is Quackers?

And what about the eggs?

Do we have a mating pair of Indian Runners or simply two confuddled females?

And what about the eggs?

All the males at the Ark think this is the funniest thing to hit since whoopee cushions – because if both ducks are female that means twice as many eggs.

For the moment I’m going to let them laugh – for I am far too busy to be bothered by them.

Busy doing what you ask – well I’m looking for an Indian Runner Drake of course!

Until next month, stay well, stay safe, stay happy.