Comments on: Lessons from Flapper: Listening

By: Maisie

Maisie — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:58:22 +0000

I only just found out about Flapper’s passing. I’m so sorry, and I hope he finds a French Fry and peas vendor while he’s waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for sharing him with us for so long.

I totally agree with everything in this post. Birds are SO under-estimated and it really boggles my mind that people, especially scientists who should know better, are always SURPRISED that birds are intelligent, emotional and communicative. I’ve also surprised a bird (a magpie in this case) by speaking its own language.

Since having Pie (and our other kids), we’ve likewise got to know so many pieces of body language and vocalisations and the moods that go with them: mischievousness, affection, “don’t go” clinginess, happy to see you, “give me a bit of that!”, “I don’t wanna / but I WANNA!” – that sort of thing. Things I would never have believed from “just a bird” before we got one.. then more. The more avian ambassadors like Flapper there are, the better!

By: Nic

Nic — Fri, 13 May 2011 08:04:46 +0000

Hello, I’m sorry to bother, I just randomly wandered here from youtube.

Even though I just ‘met’ Mr. Flapper via your website, it really is heartbreaking to hear that he’s passed on. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope that you and the rest of your avian family are getting along okay. He sure was a special little guy

Best wishes to you and your family,
Nicole

By: jen

jen — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:34:35 +0000

i’m just checking in today for the first time since the post-it wars, and just learned of the sad news. i’m so sorry. i have enjoyed hearing all about flapper and his friends for quite a long time, and i am really sorry that he is gone. i’m so sad! flapper was really special. thanks for sharing him with us.

best wishes,
jen

By: Roisin

Roisin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:36:37 +0000

Still thinking of you and Flapper. Hope things are looking up. You never get over the death of a loved one, you just learn to live with it.
Flapper had a good life thanks to your care. He loved you right back for the love and attention you gave him. Also thanks to your love for him more of us came to know what it was to love and care for a duck. I know I can’t ever have a duck because I travel too much but I know that because of you. Thanks for giving your time and words those who don’t have a voice with which they can defend themselves.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:55:24 +0000

Rest easy Mr. Flapper. Enjoy your silly antics for two years! You and your human have taught us well. My chickens and I salute in the world that lies just beyond the rainbow bridge.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:50:15 +0000

I really miss Flapper. I only meet him two months, hard to believe he’s pass away. I learn a lot from him and you, thanks to you, I know how to take care of my duck better, how to read his expression, how to talk to him. Since nobody keep ducks as pets here, it’s so good to find the love between you and Flapper. Many wishes and thanks to you.

By: Maya

Maya — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:08:06 +0000

I have followed your site for years. But I haven’t had a chance to check the site for the past several months.
When the page loaded and I saw the very sad news, I was overwhelmed. Tears filled my eyes. I feel like I have lost a friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that those words can’t begin to console you. I know that Flapper meant so much to so many people.
He changed the way I looked and thought about ducks.

He will be dearly missed.

By: Jami

Jami — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:52:08 +0000

I haven’t followed your site for very long, but I wanted to let you know that I give you all of my heartfelt condolences. I had a special boy of my own, a Khaki Cambell drake, whom was saved from death as a baby (someone abandoned him on a golf course when he was 2 days old) and loved him dearly so I understand the pain you must feel from the loss b/c I understand the special bond you had with Mr. Flapper because I had that same bond with my little guy, A Duck Named Peep. I miss him every day. They truly are smart and sweet animals. I can’t wait to get more ducks.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:12:06 +0000

Like Dawn C. above, it was Ducky, a Pekin duck living in a big urban park, who convinced me to go vegan. That little duck, who passed away in 2008, changed my life and lead to me to find Mr. Flapper, who was a source of joy to me. I miss him very much though I never met him.

By: Sid and Sharon Brownlee

Sid and Sharon Brownlee — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:46:01 +0000

We are so sorry about Flapper. We were fortunate to be able to meet him and follow his adventures throughout his life. He was a big, beautiful boy who showed us that ducks are people too.