Continuing the archive: slow essays and observations from marshes, mangroves, and pondsides around the world.
№ 72 Holding a duck may seem like a simple task, but it can be quite challenging, especially for those who are new to handling them. Ducks are delicate creatures that require proper handling to avoid...
Ducks are a common sight in many of our parks, ponds, and even backyards, but how much do we really know about these familiar feathered friends? One commonly asked question revolves around their...
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№ 70 A naturalist's illustrated tour of duck anatomy - the bill, the feet, the feathers, the digestive system, and the adaptations that make a duck a duck.
Have you ever watched a duck gobble up anything it comes across and wondered how it manages to digest such varied items? In the world of birds, especially waterfowl like ducks, the anatomy and...
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№ 68 If you have pet ducks, or are considering letting your ducks indoors, you may be wondering, do ducks smell bad? Ducks may emit an unpleasant smell due to a number of reasons. The most common is their...
Have you ever wondered about the maternal instincts of ducks ? Specifically, will a mother duck continue to sit on her eggs even if they are no longer viable? Yes, ducks can often continue to sit on...
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№ 66 While ducks and rats may seem like unlikely bedfellows, the truth is that these two animals often end up sharing the same space. Yes, ducks can potentially attract rats, but not directly. It's the...
When most people think of ducks, they picture the classic quacking sound. But do male ducks quack? Sort of but not really. Male ducks do quack, but their quacks are usually softer and raspier than...
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№ 64 It's fascinating to observe the behavior of a female duck before her eggs hatch. While many people believe that all ducks are the same, it turns out that different types of ducks behave differently...
Many people have seen ducks, whether they're swimming in a pond or waddling around a park. But how do ducks stay afloat? Ducks float due to their buoyant bodies and waterproof feathers. Their bodies...
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№ 62 A small-flock keeper's guide to the 12 duck breeds that handle winter genuinely well, the three that don't, and the housing and feed setup that keeps any duck alive through January.
Ducks love fruit, but can they safely eat fruit? Yes, ducks can eat fruit, and many fruits can be a nutritious treat for them. Offer fruits like berries, seedless grapes, chopped apples, and melons...
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