There is a man in Ponte a Serraglio who feeds and takes care of the ducks on the river. I imaginatively call him Duckman.
We have a little flock of wild ducks that have made their home in the river beneath my apartment. There is also a white duck and a goose who think they belong to the group. They hang around with the wild ducks and they all seem to get on.
I was beside the river this morning in time to see the ducks swimming swiftly across the river to Duckman’s call.
Take a look at our beautiful November day at Ponte a Serraglio.
I am particularly fond of Duckman. My lovely father used to feed wild ducks beside the small lake in his back yard. He said it made up for his duck shooting days when he was young.
Here is another look at our river, this time with Granaiola reflected in it.
Click here to see more on the ducks and here to see Granaiola, the village that sits high above Ponte a Serraglio.
Duckman’s name is Signore Alighiero Talenti.
Deb you always seem to capture the moment perfectly
Fond wishes Alan
By: alan featherby on November 24, 2011
at 6:32 am
Thank you. I took hundreds of photos in Montalcino at the festival. That was a lot of fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 6:49 am
There should be a heritage order on that yellow house. Anyone who paints it any other colour would ruin the good shots.
We became fond of those duck too.
By: Richard Tulloch on November 24, 2011
at 6:34 am
We want to paint our place eventually – any suggestions on the colour?
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 6:48 am
For your house colour, WHITE WHITE AND WHITE or maybe tuscan peach colour would also look nice
By: Anonymous on November 25, 2011
at 5:23 am
I’m not fond of peach, except in a peach. White is a possibility. Green is my favourite colour. There are some nice green houses in the area.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2011
at 5:40 am
We also have wild ducks and a goose coming to the mill, but they are not the same who reside at Ponte a Serraglio. I regularly feed them from one of the windows and they immediately notice my presence and start calling me. We have named the goose “Pavarotti”, because he literally “sings” for his meal. A very noisy chap. But I love them. Usually, they are four ducks and a female, but there are some “guests” as well.
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 24, 2011
at 6:49 am
Most of our females have moved on because they have had such little success with their ducklings. Duckman does his best by building them nests above the river, but as soon as they head for the water the eagles and crows pick them off. For a little while the goose became fascinated with his reflection in the glass in one of the buildings and could be seen for hours there admiring himself.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 6:53 am
Amazing photos Debra. I look at these and have to pinch myself to check I really am lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place! The sky over the passerella is fab and the Granaiola reflection is superb. It’s nice to finally have some water back in the river again!
By: From a Tuscan Villa on November 24, 2011
at 6:55 am
I can’t believe that blue sky we had yesterday. I am going to hate leaving here next week.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 7:04 am
Sometimes your photos are like stepping back in time, Deb. You’d never see steps next to water like that here, they’d be big railings and warning signs. And that bridge is something else – does it sway when lots of people walk on it? Fascinating stuff. Good on duckman for looking after the birds! 🙂
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on November 24, 2011
at 7:08 am
Most of Italy would be declared too dangerous by our silly Australian standards. Everything would be fenced and out of bounds. The bridge moves a bit, but it is very sturdy.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 7:20 am
That’s heartwarming. It is really nice to know someone is feeding the wild ducks.
By: Just Add Attitude on November 24, 2011
at 11:20 am
Most people in the village feed the ducks with their bread as well. I’m sure they have a very nice life.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 5:16 pm
This is so beautiful, and how nice feeding them. I loved these photographs but dear Debra, number 5 is my best one, the yellow building is amazing… You did a great shot! Thank you, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on November 24, 2011
at 2:43 pm
Our river is very photogenic.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 5:15 pm
Im digging your blog. Very well put together, very ascetic, those pics rock.
I like the pic of bee’s wax, at first I thought it was parmesan cheese. Some of the real italian stuff looks funky.
Keep it up, Im followin ya!!
-Lucas
By: hereandthere40_Lucas Rokosz on November 24, 2011
at 4:13 pm
Thank you for your comments and signing up for the blog. I hope you find interesting.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 24, 2011
at 5:14 pm
I reacon he is fattening them up for X’mas……….. Specially that goose. Keep your eye open in case the numbers go down around that time……….
Only joking.
Paul
By: Anonymous on November 24, 2011
at 11:20 pm
He is probably a bit old and tough by now anyway .
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2011
at 5:38 am
Beatiful scenery you have right there…but you gotta get the Duckman’s real name really!!
By: Ghafla!Guy on November 25, 2011
at 10:13 am
He is Signore Alighiero, I’m still working on his first name.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2011
at 3:02 pm
That’s great! Good work 😉
By: Ghafla!Guy on November 29, 2011
at 9:54 am
Thank you!
By: Debra Kolkka on November 29, 2011
at 10:34 am
Aww I love these moments with nature and animals! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on November 25, 2011
at 11:29 am
The ducks are a lovely part of the village.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2011
at 3:03 pm
These pictures are very sweet and touching for some reason. I love the yellow house.
By: The Daily Cure on November 25, 2011
at 2:22 pm
Duck man loves his ducks.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2011
at 3:03 pm
I love it! I really like the picture of the reflecting water. It looks so lovely there!
By: thirdeyemom on November 26, 2011
at 11:27 pm
I love our little village on the river.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 27, 2011
at 2:19 pm