Apr

We’re quacking up

The Torch will never duck a controversial story, especially if it might goose readership a bit. We recently received this note from the Office of the Chief Information Officer in Herndon, Va., that may give you something to brood over.

Just leave me the duck alone.

From: Carmen Iannacone, Chief Technology Officer

To: All OCIO staff, Herndon

Re: Duck, duck, goose

Word has reached me that a duck/goose has made a nest out of the Security Team Memorial Flower Bed in the generator courtyard, and is acting as if it’s laying or has already laid eggs. Correspondents differ on whether it’s a mommy or daddy, but if anyone’s inclined to check, I urge the traditional technique.

I have not seen eggs with my own eyes; however, folks say it was there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, apparently scoping out its new home. Today, it is hunkered down, nestled in and covering itself with stuff and eyeballing anyone who comes too near with that “don’t mess with Mother Goose and her chicks” look (see photo.)

Our official stance is “live and let live,” so I’m cautioning staff who transit the courtyard to be aware, don’t get too close and incur the fowl temper of this brooding mallard.

If this should interrupt the mission of the Smithsonian, we stand ready to escalate, but for now, “Happy Spring.”