My lame duck visitor taking wobbly steps on the road to recovery

ONE of my garden wildlife visitors could be described as a bit of a lame duck – both literally and figuratively speaking.

It is a duck which is lame, and a bit of a sorrowful character as well.

Earlier this year three mallards came flying into my west Dartmoor garden to feed on the grain I regularly scatter for my garden birds, and they have visited most days.

The trio consists of a male and female pair – which I am assuming are the same individuals that have visited in the past – along with a second male that hangs around, presumably with his eye on the female just in case.

Three is definitely a crowd, and this hanger-on is constantly chased off, but persists in accompanying them wherever they go.

I noticed early on that he landed awkwardly, crashing down on the lawn, and that he walked with a lopsided gait.

Sadly his limp became worse and worse, and I feared he had broken his leg.

A broken leg is not good news for a bird. However, I was also advised that he might be suffering with an infection, which a jab of antibiotics could sort out, should one be able to catch him.

Ducks are designed to waddle, not hop, and he certainly looked a pitiful sight.

The term “lame duck” apparently dates back to the 1700s. It originally referred to ill-fated investors who struggled to keep pace with moving markets and defaulted on loans, but increasingly became associated with ineffectual or powerless politicians.

If my duck was a politician he would undoubtedly be ousted by merciless rivals and voters in any election run-off. Politics is a realm short on pity – and so is nature, where the weak are preyed upon.

However, while things looked far from rosy for this male mallard, there is a happy ending to the story. Gradually

he began putting weight on the foot again, and all his leg levers seemed to be functioning, even if gingerly.

His strength now appears to be returning and the signs indicate he may well overcome the injury or infection which caused his lameness.

In terms of his breeding prospects he looks to remain something of a lame duck... But physically it seems he will soon be back to his waddling self again – with a springtime spring in his step.