Nadine J Walters – My Life

Question to myself: What Happens on your morning walks?

My Answer: Something new each day.

This morning, Andy and I started our walk on the golf course. We live about 100 yards from it, right next to one of the ponds. If we head out early enough, there aren’t any golfers around, so we’re free to roam. If we’re late, we make a quick path over to the bridge that leads to the undeveloped areas. Today we were both early and lucky—the course is closed for a couple of days to freshen up the greens.

We saw a lot of duck couples out and about. This time of year, they’re pairing up and getting ready to nest. Once the eggs are laid, you’ll usually only see one parent at a time, since they take turns keeping the nest warm. Most of these ducks are Mallards, and many of the couples have been around for years. I’ve even named a few—they’re so tame now. I sometimes pick up duck food from the feed store, but feeding them too often makes them a bit too bold!

Before we changed our yard into a desert landscape with rock and cactus, one of our large front planters became a favorite nesting spot for one duck couple. They were so sweet, taking turns guarding the nest. The only real issue was our dog at the time, Angel. She lived to retrieve, and though she never hurt the ducks, she sure gave them a scare. My kids and I had to take shifts watching her so the ducks could nest in peace.

That duck couple returned for several years—until we changed the landscaping. I still remember how heartbreaking it was to come home one spring and see them wandering around the yard, searching for their old nesting spot, only to find rocks and cactus instead. Eventually, they made a new home down by the wash, and their little family was just fine.

What I loved most was when the ducklings were finally ready. Mom and dad would gently help them hop out of the planter and waddle down to the pond for their first swim. It was something I looked forward to every year. These days, we still see ducks coming out of the brush and heading to the water, but it doesn’t feel quite the same as when they were part of our little world.

Thankfully, Andy isn’t as curious about ducks or geese. I’ve done a bit of training with him, and now he mostly ignores them. This is the time of year when all sorts of babies start appearing and the wildlife comes out of hiding—geese, quail, roadrunners, swans, and even a neighborhood tortoise who lays her eggs in someone’s backyard.

So that’s just a glimpse of what happens on our walks. Every day offers a small surprise, a moment of connection with the natural world. It’s not just exercise—it’s a quiet ritual of noticing, remembering, and finding joy in the little things that return each season.