A brief respite as we journey to see our daughters

Saturday we get news from home that one of our ducks has bestowed upon us

ELEVEN beautiful wee ones.

Her name, the MOM is “LINEN” she is an all white Muscovy Duck [(Cairina

moschata) is a large duck which is native to Mexico, Central and South America. A

small wild population reaches into the US in the lower Rio Grande River basin in

Texas. There also are feral breeding populations in North America in and around

public parks in nearly every state of the USA and in the Canadian provinces; feral

populations also exist in Europe. Although the Muscovy Duck is a tropical bird, it

adapts to icy and snowy conditions down to –12°C (10°F) and below without ill

effects[1].

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We have named the Father "Tuxedo", because he is a dapper Black and White

DUDE! Plus he has an even more special place in our lives. He survived a

motorist running over one leg. He hobbles, and is doing well. Tonight we saw

him hobble after his mate to see his new family…

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The term "Muscovy" means "from the Moscow region", but these ducks are neither

native there nor were they introduced there before they became known in Western

Europe. It is not quite clear how the term came about; it very likely originated

between 1550 and 1600, but did not become widespread until somewhat later.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscovy_Duck

All Muscovy ducks have long claws on their feet and a wide flat tail. The drake

(male) is about 86 cm long and weighs 4.6-6.8 kg (10-15 lb), while the hen

(female) is much smaller, at 64 cm in length and 2.7-3.6 kg (6-8 lb) in weight;

domesticated males often weigh up to 8 kg (17 lb), and domesticated females up

to 5 kg (10 lb). One male of an Australian breed weighed about 10 kg (20 pounds).

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The wild Muscovy Duck is blackish, with large white wing patches. Domesticated

birds may look similar; most are dark brown or black mixed with white,

particularly on the head[2]. Other colors such as lavender or all-white are also

seen. Both sexes have a nude black-and-red or all-red face; the drake also has

pronounced caruncles at the base of the bill and a low erectile crest of feathers.

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C. moschata ducklings are mostly yellow with buff-brown markings on the tail and

wings. Some domesticated ducklings have a dark head and blue eyes, others a

light brown crown and dark markings on their nape. They are agile and speedy

precocial birds.

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The drake has a low breathy call, and the hen a quiet trilling coo.

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Here is the best web site telling about these wonderful ducks

http://geocities.com/MUSCOVYDUCKS/

Did you know there was a Muscovy Duck who was in world war-two ?

Here is a picture of the book. This site is totally awesome please check it out….

Next post I hope to end the Egypt tour and head to the Holy Land