Field notes from the water’s edge.

Field notes

How to Hold a Duck: A Beginner's Guide

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...

Field notes

Do Ducks Have Noses? Understanding Duck Anatomy

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...

Field notes

Duck Anatomy: An Illustrated Field Guide

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.

Field notes

Do Ducks Have Gizzards?

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...

Field notes

Do Ducks Smell? Why They Do and How to Fix It

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...

Field notes

Will Ducks Sit on Dead Eggs?

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...

Field notes

Do Ducks Attract Rats? How to Keep Them Away

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...

Field notes

Do Male Ducks Quack? The Real Answer

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...

Field notes

Duck Behavior Before Their Eggs Hatch

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...

Field notes

How Do Ducks Float?

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...

Field notes

12 Duck Breeds That Handle Cold Weather

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.

Field notes

Can Ducks Eat Fruit? Yes, in Moderation

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...