I first noticed this last Spring, when it was (understandably) wet in Western Washington. Much to my surprise, they've returned:
There is a mated pair of ducks living on my school's campus.
Last Spring, I first noticed them hanging around a puddle/pond that had formed among a cluster of trees that is surrounded by walkways, and once on the baseball field on a particularly rainy day. Yesterday they were walking around on one of the grassy knolls in the central courtyard, probably looking for some lunch. They've become used to mingling with students, as I was able to pass within a few feet and they didn't even flinch. Hopefully the administrators leave them be, and I'll have my phone's camera ready if I ever see ducklings being led across the courtyard. :)
