Summary

The author encounters Muscovy ducks in their front yard and has a humorous interaction while their cousin tries to photograph them, ultimately reiterating the "NIMFY" rule (Not-in-My-Front-Yard) to the persistent ducks.

Abstract

While reversing out of their driveway, the author's cousin spots a group of Muscovy ducks in their front yard, prompting them both to exit the vehicle and interact with the ducks. The cousin takes the opportunity to photograph these uncommonly seen ducks, but one duck, expecting food, approaches them aggressively. The author humorously attempts to shoo the duck away, and after a brief chase, they retreat to their car. The author then addresses the duck, promising to feed it by the lakeside instead of in their front yard, emphasizing the boundary between human and wildlife spaces.

Opinions

The author appears to find the Muscovy ducks beautiful and noteworthy, as does their cousin who is unfamiliar with the species.
There is a sense of humor in the author's reaction to the ducks, particularly in the way they refer to the duck as "Duckie" and the chase that ensues.
The author seems to care about maintaining a balance between enjoying wildlife and keeping the animals at a respectful distance, as indicated by the "NIMFY" rule and their willingness to feed the duck elsewhere.
The author appreciates the experience, as evidenced by their promise to feed the duck lakeside, suggesting a respectful relationship with local wildlife.
The cousin's enthusiasm for photographing the ducks suggests they are also captivated by the unexpected encounter with these birds.

A NIMFY Notice to the Muscovy Ducks in My Neighborhood

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle

Awww… we’re still friends, I promise.

I had backed out almost to the end of my driveway when my cousin said, “Stop! Stop the car.” She was riding with me.

I braked. “What’s the matter?”

“You have ducks in your front yard!”

I looked out the window. “Oh yeah… the Muscovies. They come by sometimes.”

“They’re beautiful. We don’t see ducks like these in Illinois.”

She got out of the car and began to take photos.

I joined her on the driveway, and counted three Muscovy ducks.

One snoozed in the shade of a pine. Another turned up the mulch at the edge of a flowerbed hoping, perhaps, to find a worm. The third one was looking straight at us.

My cousin stepped toward this duck to get a portrait shot. Her subject waddled closer. “Perfect!” My cousin went click-click. “I just need a couple more pics,” she told the duck. “Please don’t move.”

The duck waggled his tail at the sound of her voice — and moved. Faster.

“Uh… it’s coming at us!” my cousin said.

“He’s hoping we’ll feed him.” I waved my arms. “Shoo, duckie.”

Duckie broke into a near-gallop.

“Get in the car!” I yelled.

My cousin jumped in.

The duck’s expression was pained. The human had literally shut the door in his face.

“I’ll come feed you lakeside,” I addressed the duck sternly, taking care to stand on the other side of the car from him. “But you gotta remember the NIMFY rule — Not-in-My-Front-Yard.”

Thanks for reading! 🌼

Thank you Mary Chang Story Writer for publishing my story.

I really enjoyed reading photo stories by these five amazing writers: Sandi Parsons Tooth Truth Roopa Vikesh Osan Fernando Dr. Preeti Singh JF Danskin

A couple more of this author’s stories:

Mirror, Mirror…

Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle

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Cardinal Virtues

November Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “3”

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