Bad news for ducks

I wrote recently about Harry picking up bad habits. Well, he’s got another and it’s not good news – particularly for ducks.

Let me explain. Harry has always enjoyed going to feed the ducks, even if he is a bit reluctant to hand over the bread most of the time (he prefers to eat it himself).

However, when we visited the Mere in Ellesmere a couple of weeks ago, his attitude had changed. Instead of throwing bread towards the swans, Harry charged towards them shouting ‘Shoo!’ at the top of his voice. As if that wasn’t enough, he also started swinging his leg as if he was about to aim a kick at them.

I grabbed him, of course, and gave him a ticking off, although I must admit, it was difficult to keep a straight face. I then told him to say sorry to the ducks, which he did – reluctantly.

Within minutes, however, he was chasing the swans again, shouting ‘shoo!’

By this time, we were drawing disapproving glances from other people, and one family – feeding the ducks without incident – looked particularly unimpressed.

We swiftly moved on to the playground – thankfully a duck free zone – before we were escorted from the mere side.

I’ve since been doing my best Poirot impersonation, trying to find out who he’s copying but so far my investigation has proved fruitless – and Harry’s not for telling me either.

Whoever’s responsible, though, it’s clear that feeding the ducks with Harry will never be a very relaxing experience.