BELFAST — The beloved Belfast Joy duck, and the subsequent Greater Joy duck, are back in the waters of Belfast Bay, this time with an even bigger friend. The newest addition, dubbed Greatest Joy, dwarves both earlier versions. 

It all began with the lovable Joy Duck, a charming inflatable that captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike when it first made a splash on the scene in August 2021.

In 2022, the Greater Joy duck appeared in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, and many residents expressed hope on social media that one of the Joy ducks would reappear this year.

Those waiting with crossed fingers for one duck had to hold onto their feathers, Joy duck has not only reappeared, but the smallest duck has been joined by last year's Greater Joy, and the newest member of the delightful duck family: Greatest Joy duck, which towers above both of the smaller birds. 

The biggest of the plastic birds are both anchored to a dock, likely to prevent another situation where there is a massive duck on the loose. Last year, Greater Joy duck broke free from her tethers Oct. 27, and went on an unexpected adventure, evading capture several times before ultimately being returned to Belfast Harbor.

While the larger two ducks are sitting atop a dock, the smallest of the joy ducks is attached with a rope, and seldom cooperates for a true family portrait. Instead eager photographers have to catch a glimpse of her when they can. 

Residents and tourists are flocking to the bay to witness this “quacky” spectacle up close. Families with children, couples on romantic strolls, and solo adventurers are taking the opportunity to capture snapshots of this larger-than-life waterfowl trio, creating lasting memories and sharing the joy on social media.

While not everyone enjoys the ducks, for most the big yellow birds are buoyant summer fun, with the ducks serving as a symbol of pure positivity that can uplift even the cloudiest day.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com