Nature

Cibolo Creek Ducks Found in Boerne’s River Road Park

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Travelers to Boerne often marvel at the numerous ducks in the area, especially around Cibolo Creek. The waterfowl play a prominent role in the names of many area businesses, too, but where did they come from and who cares for them? The Cibolo Creek ducks rank as one of the many interesting parts of this tiny Texas town that you need to visit. Check out these Cibolo Creek ducks and geese for a preview of what you might see on your trip to River Road Park.

Where Did the Ducks Come From?

Cibolo Creek ducks abound at River Road Park in Boerne

Photo: Facebook/Jennifer Zuniga

The Cibolo Creek ducks are not pets to anyone. They are wild ducks drawn to the area by the clear waters of the creek which also harbor fish and turtles. Likely, these fowl also appreciate the ample food from the many restaurants in the area with outdoor patios. People feeding them from River Road Park also helps to encourage ducks and geese to congregate in the area. Several waterfowl live near the park but are wild animals.

Duck, Duck, Duck, Goose!

Three ducks and a goose in Boerne

Photo: Facebook/Jim Griffin

Three ducks and a goose share space while they search the ground for food. The waterfowl all get along well at the park as there is an ample amount of food for all.

Pekin Duck

A white duck in Boerne Texas

Photo: Facebook/Jim Griffin

This duck does not want you to buy insurance. It’s a Pekin duck that typically is raised commercially for food. Perhaps this duck flew the coop and escaped or was born in the wild after a domestic duck left its home.

Geese

Goose family on Cibolo Creek at River Road Park in Boerne Texas

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Geese also populate River Road Park, and though they are much larger than the Cibolo Creek ducks, the geese seem to tolerate the smaller birds on the creek. Just bring enough food for all the birds to keep them from fighting while you feed them.

Waddling Ducks

Ducks waddling near Cibolo Creek

Photo: Facebook/Boerne Art Waddle

The numerous ducks on Cibolo Creek inspired the name of the Boerne Art Waddle, which is an annual art sale and show in the late spring. Check it out next time you find yourself in Boerne in May.

Scaup Ducks

Scaup ducks fighting for bread

Photo: Facebook/Shyamala Rao

These funny looking blue-billed ducks are scaup ducks. Both greater and lesser scaup ducks migrate through the state in the late fall. Though the ducks are eating bread in the picture, avoid feeding any bread products to the birds as they could eat it after it becomes moldy. Or, the bread can fill up the ducks, so they don’t eat more nutritious food. Bring corn, peas, seeds, or specialty duck pellets if you wish to feed the wildlife at the park.

Muscovy Duck

A muscovy duck is one of the many Cibolo Creek ducks

Photo: Facebook/Steve Wayne MacKenney

Muscovy ducks originated in the tropics, but that makes them well-adapted to the heat of the Hill Country summers. Among the Cibolo Creek ducks, the Muscovy ducks may be the most unusual. The males have an unusual red protrusion on their face that looks like they have their brains on the outside of their head. This is a distinguishing factor between male and female ducks.