When hubs and I walked around the front lawns of the SPI Birding and Nature Centre, I spotted what I at first thought was a lawn ornament.
It was perfectly still and I was able to walk to within a foot of this strange creature before it moved a muscle or blinked an eye.
Apparently, Muscovy Ducks are common in many parts of North America, including some parts of southern Canada, but I had never before seen one.
This is the only duck not descended from mallards. In addition, instead of quacking, it hisses.
The fleshy-bumpy red tissue around the eyes was off-putting to me. Until I was able to search my image, I wondered if this poor duck had contracted some sort of flesh eating disease. I was relieved to find that this is just one more characteristic of this quirky bird, that walks like a duck, but that’s where all similarities end.
Radically Retired 
My first thought was if this was a lawn ornament, it was one with a bad paint job around the eyes. I’ve never seen a duck like this before either. The hissing does kind of go with its look.
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So true on all points, Betty! Apparently, they’re raised for their meat, which tastes similar to veal, and is a common ingredient in French cuisine. I guess I live a sheltered life, because I didn’t know this. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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