There he stood on a patch of ice in a frigid pond…a lovely pintail duck.
Shivering despite my warm coat, gloves, and hat, I watched him slip into the water and paddle around.
And I wondered…was he cold?
I suspected not. I’ve read that ducks are designed to tolerate freezing temperatures.
Their down feathers provide insulation, waterproofed by a gland accessed during preening. And the circulatory system in their legs and feet also contributes to warming. An amazing design.
I was reminded that the Earth has created all Her beings with awe-inspiring perfection.
I smiled and wandered on…once again astounded by the natural world.
(Link to Photo Gallery: wandernature.com/new-photos)