99 DUCKS PLUS 1

There are indeed 99 ducks plus 1 on Ted's pond; it's the behavior of the one that's dubious. The first to scoope up Ted's kernels of corn, she takes to remaining behind at night--""hiding"" in the reeds--as day after day more mallards appear to feed and fly off. And when the flock heads south for the winter, she stays--ostensibly attached to Ted. That a duck not hand raised would so separate herself is highly questionable; so is the advisability of encouraging a child to encourage her. Just practically, what happens when the weather worsens and the pond freezes over?