This photograph was taken in my neighbor's driveway on Sunday, May 7th, which was two days after my neighbor was laid to rest. These two Mallards flew into my deceased neighbors yard, walked up to the front door, and then began investigating the court yard. My neighbor had created a memorial area in the courtyard after her husband had died in 2007. It was like these ducks were representing the spirits of the husband and wife; stopping by to take a last look at the home they had shared together for more than 40 years. I have never seen ducks in my residential neighborhood and I believe it is no coincidence that these wild ducks would be visitors to this home, on this date. Ducks often return to areas that they feel safe and comfortable in, so would this not make sense? I videotaped the ducks walking around the property, photographed them, and they had no fear of me. Shortly after I took this image, they casually flew away. Birds are great spirit messengers if we pay attention. Ducks reminds us that we have feet and, even better, we have wings. We have the power to lift out of the watery emotions that threaten to drown us. We can swim into the depths and yet, find inner silence.

Mallard DucksDuck