Name: Agnes B.
Status: other
Age: old
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2/23/2003
Question:
We often see ducks sitting in the frigid waters of our
Ontario lakes and wonder 1. why do they sit in the water? and 2.how can
they sustain these low water temps.
Replies:
Ducks sit in the water because that is where they are safe and find food, in
any season. Their tarsi and toes have few blood vessels or nerves, and no
fleshy muscles, only tough tendons. Only enough blood flow is maintained for
minimal feeling. Even so, occasionally their feet will freeze. The rest of
the duck's body is well protected with oily feathers and fat.
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