for best results

We couldn't get our ducks in a row.
In fact, there wasn't a single duck to be seen.
How unusual for Aldergrove Lake Park!
They weren't milling and muttering in the middle of the pond, nor tail up amongst the reeds.
They weren't perched and preening on logs, nor gliding between the rushes.
No Buffleheads.
No Ringnecks.
No Wigeons.
Not even a Mallard for crying out loud.
The pond was completely silent.
Barely a ripple disturbed the reflection.
We trudged past our usual spot to lean and look.
On around the pond past tangled yellowed grass.
Now in Spring, secret pathways are revealed that summers lush growth hides.
The park is full to the brim with all kinds of creatures it seems.
I reminded myself of this fact even as I pondered the unusual quiet on the water.
And then, right on cue we heard through the tangle of blackberry and wild rose, splashing.
Happy splashing.
Squinting through the brambles we could see a Junco, hunkered in the water at pond edge, splashing and sloshing, like an old prospector having his yearly bath. I almost expected to see graying long johns over a branch.
In an instant it erupted from the water, and streaked into the open branches of a small Alder tree. Then with echoing snap after snap, like a deck of cards being shuffled, wing and tail feathers flashed.
A little bathing bird that could have its own care label.
Wash in cold water and air dry for best results.