When I moved into this complex nearly two years ago, I was attracted to the view of a lake outside of my bedroom and living room windows. I was also attracted to the different species of birds, turtles, garden snakes, Canadian Geese, Mallard Ducks and every other creature on the grounds.
    I loved watching the new babies when the female geese gave birth. Generally four or more females had babies at the same time swimming in the lake along with their parents. Male geese are as protective of their young as are the females. Watching baby ducks was another wonderful sight.
      However, besides watching them every now and then when I had time, I didn't really notice the interactions between the Canadian Geese and the Mallard Ducks. That is until about four or five months ago when the attacks began.
     The first time I became aware of the viciousness between the birds came when I noticed Canadian Geese surrounding Mallard Duck babies. Four or five geese would surround one or two babies like the enemy encircling their foes during a war. Four or five against one or two? Then they moved in and started their attack on their victims, I ran outside and shouted at the geese, who quickly retreated.
     After that, it became my job to watch the lake when I was home. Time consuming, but I got tried of seeing the larger birds attacking the smaller, more helpless ones. I also tired of seeing injured ducks that were either dead or dying.
    Months later, the odds evened when the ducks began giving birth at an alarming rate. Once the geese saw their numbers growing they decided to leave the ducks alone. Wonderful, or was it?
    Recently I viewed a large group of Mallard Ducks on the other side of the lake, just hanging out. And guess what? Ducks who seemed in charge were attacking other ducks who seemed helpless. I watched this turnabout for a while and decided to mind my own business. Had I seen this before, I never would've stuck my nose in when the geese were after the ducks.
     I mean, what is going on? The amount of violence in this world never fails to shock me. Teenagers bullying others; adults attacking one another verbally in business and physically in wars. Birds fighting like cats and dogs, cats and dogs being themselves. Politicians attacking one another openly just to rule the roost. Guess I mind as well act like the rest of my species by hiding my head and ignoring it all.