Please watch this short, but highly informative video before proceeding.
A Couple More Things You Should Know About Teals
Teals come equipped with two essential wings—one on the right, the other on the left. Without both, flight is impossible. A teal trying to lift off with only one wing would merely flap around, stumbling and spinning, never rising above the ground.
In the teal world, it’s only the males who get the striking, multicolored plumage. The females, on the other hand, must rely on their inner charm to attract a partner. A good sense of humor—or at the very least, a generous tolerance for the goofy antics of male ducks—goes a long way.
Herman’s Story, Part 1
There exists an untold tale of a blue-winged teal—let’s call him Herman, though seasoned storytellers know teals don’t have names—who once heeded the wisdom of his feathers. Herman belonged to a sprawling clan of teals steeped in long-standing traditions. Like clockwork, each September, the entire family would glide down the Central Flyway to their winter homes nestled in Louisiana’s lush wetlands.
One particularly warm summer, Herman overheard a few fellow teals discussing winter destinations far from the usual. Intrigued, he gathered his feathers and posed a question: “What if we tried something new? I heard about an island paradise where it’s always warm, the sun always shines, and food is abundant.”
His feathers responded with unanimous excitement: “Let’s go for it!”
Herman chatted with a few cousins about switching course and flying the Atlantic Flyway instead. They described charming rest stops and breathtaking views. This new idea thrilled nearly every feather on his wings—and Herman’s own anticipation soared.
But as with any good fable, tension crept in. A few feathers on his right wing began to grumble. “Why change routes?” they whispered. “Have you noticed how cheerful those left-wing feathers are? A little too cheerful, if you ask us.”
The discontent spread like wildfire. Soon, the right-wing feathers were in a constant state of grumbling, especially about their left-wing companions. Though Herman sensed the unease, he couldn’t quite make out what the murmurs were about.
Unaware of the brewing frustration, the left-wing feathers continued planning the journey with enthusiasm. They believed everyone was equally eager for the new adventure and the change of scenery.
Truth be told, the feathers on the right wing were excited about the new destination—but they found the unrestrained joy of the left-wing feathers irritating beyond words.
When it came time to migrate, Herman joined a flock heading down the Atlantic Flyway to the tropical island his cousins had mentioned—Cuba. From all accounts, Herman and his feathers enjoyed a spectacular winter in their new retreat.
While in Cuba, Herman met a mate, and together they settled in a shady spot by a creek. All of his feathers were thrilled about this new chapter. Yet, the murmurs from the right wing grew louder, becoming a near-constant hum in Herman’s ear. No one ever explained what the whispers were about, but Herman began to worry that somehow he had disappointed his feathers.
As the temperatures in Cuba rose, signaling the time to head north, Herman asked his feathers, “So, what did you think of this place? Should we return next year?”
The general reaction was wildly positive, so much so that Herman didn’t notice a cluster of right-wing feathers snickering and mocking the excitement of the left. “Oh sure! Let’s all salsa dance and sing in the sunshine every single day!” they sneered.
On the return trip, Herman and his mate joined some cousins on what they called “the scenic route back.” It followed the same Atlantic Flyway but at a more leisurely pace, pausing often as the northern climate slowly thawed. Yet during this slow journey, Herman sensed an increasing drag from his right wing—a heavy, growing dissatisfaction.
Some storytellers claim that Herman’s near-death experience during the return trip was the result of reckless, love-blind flying. But I beg to differ. Yes, a storm did nearly take him out—but romance had nothing to do with it. To hear what really happened, look for “Meet the Teal, Part 2,” which should find its way into your hands—hopefully soon.
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