Mill Stream sunk to a new low

Observer: Estella Yee
Date: 10-31
Location: Bridge from Jackson Plaza across Mill Stream
Time:1535 to 1558
Weather: 59˚F, overcast, grey skies, was raining this morning

What happened to the Mill Stream? The usual 3 to 4 foot deep stream that snaked through campus was now barely ½ foot in the deepest areas. Today, it was a mass of smooth pebbles and mud. I resisted the urge to jump into the empty stream. I wondered if there were some type of obstruction upstream. I wandered as far as the botanical gardens but found the same scene there as well. Could some machinery have affected the flow? The water was depressingly low despite the moderate rainfall today. The ducks were nowhere to be seen, until upon closer observation, I found some near the bridge at Jackson Plaza. They had cleverly sought out the deeper areas of the stream and were feeding. They plodded through mud and joined a larger group of barely 10 wild mallards. They shoveled their yellow beaks through the water and scoured the green sea plants. Vitals must have been hard to come by due to the reduced flow. A drake I noticed was doing small waves with his entire body, splashing water onto his back. After a substantial amount accumulated over his body, he stood, flapping his wings. Following thus, he settled back down into the water with a quick flicker of his black tail. I had seen this behavior before when the water was high. It’s interesting how despite the change in conditions that the mallards still maintain their routines without pause. I also noticed that two drakes were competing over the food, as one would continuously drive the other away.