There’s a particular charm to wildlife photography that goes beyond capturing the perfect shot. Sometimes, it’s the stories that unfold in quiet, unassuming moments—stories like that of Tuxedo, an American Black Duck who has unexpectedly taken up residence at a local marina. I first noticed him during one of my visits, standing out from the familiar crowd of mallards, pigeons, and seagulls. His striking appearance is impossible to miss: a sleek black head, a rich chocolate-brown body, and a single white spot on his chest that gives him the look of a perfectly tailored tuxedo. That’s how he earned his name.
At first, I thought he might have been passing through, blown off course by the weather cyclone we experienced a few weeks ago. But now, every time I return to the marina, there he is—always solo, yet somehow part of the bustling bird community.
Tuxedo’s behavior is fascinating. He’s not like the other birds that squabble and swarm over scraps of food. Instead, he hangs back, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to eat alone. When the chaos of the flock gets too overwhelming, he simply waddles off to a quieter spot, away from the noise.
He’s not timid, just… intentional. Watching him, I can’t help but feel a connection. His calm, solitary demeanor resonates with me, reminding me of my own moments of finding peace amidst the crowd. Despite his independence, Tuxedo is curious. When I drive up, he’ll waddle over as if to check if I’ve brought anything for him. There’s an intelligence in his gaze, a sense of quiet observation. He looks at me as if he’s just as intrigued by me as I am by him.
What makes him so unique isn’t just his behavior but his very presence. American Black Ducks aren’t commonly seen here on Vancouver Island, making Tuxedo a true rarity. How did he end up here? Was he swept away from his flock? Does he feel out of place, different from the mallards he shares the space with? Whatever his story, Tuxedo seems to have found a rhythm in his new environment. He’s plump and healthy, navigating the marina with quiet confidence. He might be smaller than the mallards, but he doesn’t let that deter him.
"In a world of flocks and chaos, there’s beauty in standing apart, finding your own rhythm, and embracing the quiet strength of being uniquely you."
There’s something profoundly beautiful about his resilience and independence. Tuxedo reminds me that being different isn’t a bad thing—it’s what makes you stand out, what makes your story worth telling.
So here’s to Tuxedo, the handsome lone duck in a tuxedo, who’s found his place in the chaos of the marina. I’ll keep visiting him, capturing his quiet moments, and wondering about the journey that brought him here. Maybe, in some small way, we’re both finding solace in the same space.
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