BEAUTY IN THE MAKING

It is often bath time, right below our kitchen window, and it's fun to peek .

Did you know that Ducks don't need to have a pond to swim in? 
  But they must have water to drink, water to preen their feathers, and water deep enough to submerge their whole bill. They need to clear their nostrils which can clog with feathers.


We moved the duck's tub near the garden for the winter months so it can receive the sunshine and be easily filled from the faucet.


They climb in the tub and start by swirling the water with their bill.

and kick with their feet to coat their whole body with water.

They preen their feathers . . .

here and there.

They flap their wings a few times to rinse.

Then they hop out and finish the rest out of the water.

They go over every inch of their body with their bill

They spread their wings . . . 

and preen all their feathers

The duck uses its bill to rub oil all over their feathers, to waterproof themselves. . .

 It comes from a gland in the base of its tail.

It's true *ducks don't get wet*. The water beads up and slides right off them. Perhaps that's why our ducks love being in the rain.


They finish up by scratching and finding any spots they missed

 Then they flap their wings a few times and they are done.

Just beautiful!

Do you know how to tell a boy from a girl? The boy has a soft *quack*, and has a tail feather that curls up at its hind end . Can you see it?

       Our ducks are boys. . . George and Gilligan.        

happy day!  

Linking up to Farm Friday . . . 

and Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop

and Farm Friend Friday

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