sunday: through the looking glass…
Posted in amsterdam, pia's photos, the houseboat May 9th, 2010 by pia

While working quietly this morning, I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. I turned around to find this young mum at my window. She has been at my window alot lately, even when it’s open she doesn’t hesitate to pop her head in. I’m not sure why she suddenly feels the need to come so close, have I been feeding her and her little ones too much from the kitchen window and now she expects more? There is a silent rule between me and the water creatures that I will only give when I can, not when they want. And of course when there are little ones around I will give a little extra – you know, instead of just the left over stale slices of bread I might throw in a fresh slice.

But this one doesn’t seem to understand the boundaries. She has been shooed off a number of times but still, she persists.Β  She looks at me in a way that makes me feel guilty for not having food for her when she needs it, and some times I cave in and give her the only piece of bread left, the very slice I was about to eat. Then I see other canal dwellers like myself throw great bundles of bread out for her and her family and I say to her, “you see? Not only do you live in an already incredibly bountiful environment, you are also given so much on a regular basis, much much more than is given to those around you. You have more than enough so be happy with what you have, don’t wish for more”.

But still, she stares at me through my window. It’s become clear that we don’t understand each other and that perhaps I have given too much. I’ve decided it’s time I stop.

xx

PS I am going to announce the giveaway winner tomorrow! I hope the suspense does not drive you mad before then…



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28 Comments

  1. Kym says

    What a sweet face she has. Cheeky wee thing! I wouldn’t be able to resist either Pia. Not at all.

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  2. Lisette says

    She’s very cute, that young mum! But cheeky and greedy to it seems… Have a great Sunday!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  3. Sam says

    Just gorgeous! I can see how it’s difficult to say no, but I think you’re making the right decision… isn’t it true that ducks shouldn’t eat bread? Anyway, perhaps she’s not hungry after all, but just checking out her reflection in your window!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  4. annelise says

    That’s so cute! Seeing her little face pop up in the window would make me laugh.

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  5. Mandy says

    What amazing photographs …. she is divine, I would have to feed her too .. I have bush turkeys popping up at my window quite often and a wonderful peacock who visits from time to time… PS. what an amazing place you live in !!!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  6. ClaraAnne says

    She’s beautiful! I think she’s developed a fondness for you now & you won’t get rid of her so easily:) Soon you’ll have all her little ducklings watching you work too!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  7. Kitty says

    It is amazing that you can actually look at a duck straight in the eye. It’s like a neighbor popping over to chat…only this one wants to be feed!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  8. Erin says

    But how wonderful to look up and see a mommy duck looking at you! I think I’d ahve a difficult time not feeding her; she seems to have become your little wild pet.

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  9. Nisrine@Dinners & Dreams says

    Very very pretty pics. Have a wonderful day!

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  10. beauty comma says

    oh, but she provided you with the chance to get a great picture that made me laugh out loud! maybe she’s curious about your home as well?

    May 9th, 2010 | #

  11. Melissa Blake says

    I just discovered your blog. Those are beautiful photos!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  12. Natasha says

    Oh, how I love this post! The chick is so cute and fuzzy, and then the mother looks you straight in the face…. great photography!!

    Northern Light

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  13. Leanne T says

    isn’t she lovely!!!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  14. jan.s says

    ..wise counsel to the beautiful Mother Duck…..

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  15. Francesca says

    She’s lovely. Although I can’t help being reminded of the penguin from Wallace & Gromit – there’s something in that steady gaze…

    …Beautiful pics, as always!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  16. jΒ΄aime la vie says

    Looking forward to hear the lucky winner πŸ˜‰

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  17. Anna says

    How cute! But remember that too much bread is actually bad for birds and causes all kinds of diseases and abnormalities of growth. Just because it doesn’t have all the nutritions they need. They don’t get it and if bread is too easily available they’d only eat it. So next time you can eat your last piece of bread with clean conscience!

    Your house is awesome!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  18. pia says

    Hi Anna,

    I’ve often thought about this, thanks for the clarity. I actually throw most of my food scraps out the window for the birds because there are lots of different species that I know appreciate the diversity. The others like to eat all sorts of things like carrot peelings, peas, broccoli, cereal etc but the ducks won’t go near any of it! They only like bread. the only consolation is that the bread we eat is the best there is – full of grains, no sugar and often gluten free.

    Anyway, it doesn’t make a scrap of difference because someone else will just throw out huge amounts of cheap bread. Maybe that is why this duck comes to my window, maybe she knows the good stuff is in here! haha. I have no idea.

    Francesca – totally!! I think this young mum is a bit evil to be honest.

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  19. Maria says

    I hate to add to it, as I would adore to have ducks visting me, but bread is actively bad for ducks. Sadly, I presume you don’t have many spare snails…

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  20. amy says

    she’s awfully cute for someone so annoying!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  21. joanna goddard says

    oh, that’s only the cutest thing i’ve ever seen!!!!!! pia, i adore that πŸ™‚ i’m sending you a wave from my desk in manhattan, where i look over honking taxis and a noisy restaurant πŸ™‚

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  22. debbie schramer says

    Maybe this little duck just wants some attention!! She looks so cute and maybe just wants to be your friend…..we used to have our own little ducks that we raised from babies and they really love people. She might just want to get to know you!! You are so lucky to have such a wonderful visitor!
    Debbie

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  23. Tara of Paris Parfait says

    Gorgeous images, Pia. The creature seems to have taken a fancy to you – perhaps the bread you offer is superior to others in the neighbourhood? πŸ™‚

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  24. Aron says

    You have such an eye!

    May 10th, 2010 | #

  25. Georganna says

    That is adorable!

    May 12th, 2010 | #

  26. Angela Z. says

    anatidaephobia: the fear that somewhere, somehow, a duck is watching you. (-the far side)

    May 14th, 2010 | #

  27. jennifer@nicolejanehome says

    You’re fortunate to have such a wonderful little visitor every day. I’d love to live there–looks picturesque!

    May 16th, 2010 | #

  28. Pia Jane Bijkerk and a little duck « Feathers and Cupcakes says

    […] just had to giggle when I saw these photos from Pia. She lives on a houseboat in Amsterdam, and a little duck popped up and visited her! Isn’t […]

    May 25th, 2010 | #


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