DOMESTIC BIRDS
THE DUCK
Home Observations.—Compare the duck and the drake as to size, colouring, calls, and other sounds.
Observe the position of the birds when standing. Observe their mode of walking, of swimming, and of flying. Where do they prefer to make their nests? Why is the duck more plain in dress than the drake? What is the shape, size, and build of the nest? Describe the eggs. When does the duck sleep? Why can it not sleep upon a perch as hens do? How do ducks feed on land? Compare with the feeding of hens. Observe how ducks feed when in water. Observe the various sounds, as alarm notes, call notes, social sounds.
Describe the preening of the feathers and explain the meaning of it.
Compare the appearance of the young ducks with that of the older ones. Do the young ducks need to be taught to swim?
CLASS-ROOM LESSON
Provide, where convenient, a duck for class study.
Observations.—Colour, size, general shape of the body, and the relation of the shape to ease of swimming; divisions of the body.
Size of head, length of neck, and the relation of the length of the neck to the habit of feeding in water.
The legs and web feet, and the relation of these to the bird's awkward walking and ease in swimming.
The bill and its relation to the bird's habits of feeding by scooping things from the bottom of the water and then straining the water out. The sensitive tip of the bill by which the duck can feel the food.
The feathers, their warmth, and compactness for shedding water. The oil spread over them during the preening is useful as a protection against water.
The bill, feet, and feathers should be compared with those of the hen and goose, and reasons for the similarities and differences should be discussed.
The uses that people make of ducks and their feathers and eggs; the gathering of eider-down.
For desk work, make drawings of the duck when swimming, flying, and standing.