C RY D E R P O I N T APRIL 11 “We’re in camouflage. Nobody will notice.” “As long as we’re here, we might as well catch some sun.” WWW.QNS.COM | APRIL 2017 | CRYDER POINT COURIER 11 Everybody Duck! Beechhurst, NY – An eagle-eyed Cryder Point resident spotted the return of two ducks on community property last month. Marsha Gellert, known for her keen photographic eye, first caught sight of the intruders on the pool deck, apparently taking refuge from the severe wind and waves following the Nor’easter that hit the area on March 14. As these photos attest, it appears that the ducks were quite familiar with the pool and surrounding land, and it is presumed that one of the pair of interlopers was likely Mallard T. Quack. Readers of the Cryder Point Courier may recall that Mr. Quack was a recurring uninvited guest at the co-op last summer, even after he was summarily ejected from the property. Unfortunately, positive identification of these recent intruders has so far not been possible given the strong physical resemblance of all the ducks in the area. However, Resident Manager Bill Newell said, “It wouldn’t surprise me if one of them was Mr. Quack. He was really brazen last year even after we interrogated him and kicked him out. He just kept on coming back no matter what we did.” Ms. Gellert followed the ducks’ patterns closely. On April 15, the day after the Nor’easter, she observed them sunbathing on the pool deck and later reported that they tended to hang out all day. “They arrive between 8am and 9am,” she said, “and leave around 5.” Within the day next or so, the daring duo waddled over to the 01/21 courtyard where they stayed for at least two days. It wasn’t until March 21 that they were seen back in the river with what is assumed to be their extended family. Apparently eager to enjoy the property’s spectacular views, the clan boldly got together on March 27 for a rooftop party on the pool’s mechanical building. Stacey Pankavich, Cryder Point’s Administrative Manager, ran a criminal background check on Mr. Quack last year and found no history of fowl sic play in his record. Nevertheless, she expressed concern when told of these most recent incidents. “This is awfully early for them to show up again. It’s not even May, not to mention that they were here for so long. I’m a little worried that we may have a complex web of inappropriate activity ahead of us this summer.” Mr. Newell echoed Ms. Pankavich’s concerns. He said, “We take security very seriously here. We’ve increased the number of cameras throughout the property, and we are working as we speak on improving lighting as well. Still, it’s very hard to catch these quackpots in the act. They’re pretty sneaky.” He continued, “I want to personally thank Marsha Gellert for keeping a watch on the intruders and for providing these photographs. I’m sure they will be very useful for positive I.D. as we move into summer.” All residents are asked to contact Management of any sightings and are encouraged to supply photographs whenever possible. However, caution is advised: In the event that you encounter any wild fowl, please call the Waterfowl Hotline at 1-800-555-DUCK. This is a developing story and updates will be forthcoming as we receive further information. BY JILL DAVIS/PHOTOS BY MARSHA GELLERT Time to party hearty! Who needs a heated pool? “We’d better get back or we’ll be late for dinner.”
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