Bottom of the News… Friday, March 27, 2009

Good morning my fellow Rotarians. Today, it is Duck Facts time because after Jim Angstman threw out the challenge for all of us to go duck hunting I thought if we all are going to have a bunch of those little critters hanging around we’d all better know more about them. So, here you go…

Ducks were once wild until they were domesticated by the Chinese in the 1500’s; but be careful with yours because some may still have a free spirit!

Ducks' feathers are waterproof. There is a special gland that produces oil near the tail that spreads and covers the outer coat of feathers. Beneath this waterproof layer are fluffy and soft feathers to keep the duck warm.

All of the Peking ducks in the United States are descendents from three ducks and one drake imported to Long Island, New York in 1873.

Ducks' feet have no nerves or blood vessels. This means ducks never feel the cold, even if they swim in icy cold water. So, you don’t have to worry about little duck socks or insulated web covers.

A duck has three eyelids. They like to wink a lot.

Ducks can live from 2-12 years, depending on the species; so if you get attached to any of yours there’s a good chance you can reconnect at next year’s race!

A duck's quack has no echo. Even in a big culvert?

A male duck is called a drake, a female is called a duck. Babies are called ducklings. So is it duck duck or just duck? I am confused. What about that game duck duck goose goose? I wonder what that means???

A duck waddles instead of walking because of their webbed feet. And those webs act like big paddles when they swim. So, the winners should be wearing a size 18!!!

Little known facts for our or maybe “useless” information for our Bottom of the News, but hey, we are having a Quacking good time this Friday, March 27, 2009!

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