Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
search menu
The news from Broad Ripple
Brought to you by The Broad Ripple Gazette
(Delivering the news since 2004, every two weeks)
Subscribe to Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
Brought to you by:
VirtualBroadRipple.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com

Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2005 06 24arrowColumn

back button return to index button next button
Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v02n13)
Right in my Own Backyard - Jiminee - by Brandt Carter
posted: Jun. 24, 2005

Right in my Own Backyard header

Ducks and Broad Ripple are synonymous. Walking along the canal path, I have watched the ducks in all seasons enjoy the water, food, and habitat of the unique shallow waters. The variety - from Canada geese to mallards - can lead a novice to wonder how many different ducks live here.
Let me digress a moment to tell you about an unforgettable incident involving the Broad Ripple ducks. My husband and I foster puppies for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). At 18 months, the pups advance for training to become service dogs. One summer night, with our golden retriever Jiminee, we were out with a new puppy raiser and her dog to coach her on how puppies-in-training should act as they greet new people, sounds, and smells. Jiminee was being exemplary, that is until he caught sight of ducks in the canal. In a flash, disaster began!
Both women watched Jiminee bolt (called "small animal prey instinct") toward the ducks, pulling his master into the canal. It all happened so suddenly - dog on the run and ducks startled into flight - that my husband forgot to let go of the leash. Before he knew it, he was waist deep in murky canal water with the dog madly pursuing the ducks and his shoulder out of its socket. The next stop was the hospital emergency room, and we were left humiliated about our coaching efforts gone awry - all on account of the Broad Ripple ducks.
Now, let me get back to the main point, which is the fun of identifying the varieties of ducks. Take a Field Guide and go to the canal. There are two broad groups of ducks, divers and dabblers. Many people discourage feeding the ducks and want them to eat what nature provides. If you have to sneak them a snack, feed corn or duck food rather than bread and table scraps. Take care of our ducks; they are residents of Broad Ripple, too. For more information about CCI: www.cci-indy.org or call 317-251-8813.



Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com




brandt@broadripplegazette.com
back button return to index button next button
Brought to you by:
BroadRippleHistory.com Broad Ripple collector pins EverythingBroadRipple.com
Brought to you by:
EverythingBroadRipple.com RandomRipplings.com Broad Ripple collector pins