How to deal with aggressive ducks...

[ShakingTheTree]

We had one take up residence on the swim platform a couple weeks ago while we were anchored by Cantler's in Mill Creek. She wasn't aggressive... but she was stubborn. Even the dogs from the boat rafted next to us couldn't budge her.

I think ducks are a combination of sassy and stupid and, as such, I'm slightly terrified by them (and geese, swans, etc.).

[stimpsonjcat]

[JMaav]

Originally Posted by Sailor Sailor

After taking a mooring ball in Annapolis, we discovered two local ducks had seized control of our dinghy around midnight. They appeared perfectly comfortable in possession of our only means of escape. Needless to say, it was a terrifying situation. Anyone else encountered the same dilemma?

I have some ‘lifelike’ cats tied to my boat that I bought on Amazon. They work well to keep the cormorants off my boat on the mooring…

[reflectionsv37]

My first thought was roasted. But if you're more ambitious you could go Peking or even à l'Orange.

[OneBoatman]

One sure thing is that birds are afraid of anything that poses a hazard to their wings. The solution is to fashion an easy to rig pattern of small twine or netting over the dinghy as some use to prevent sails, animals or children from passing between their lifelines. Netting itself may be over kill and more expensive but criss crossing some small twine attached at the gunwhales is all it takes. Similarly, when the vessel is docked or moored this is effective to protect the fore deck or coach top of your vessel. The birds will not risk their ability to fly and move on to make their mess elsewhere.

[conchaway]

You're terrified of ducks?!?

[Flagfish]

Local duck mafia.... ah yes, we know it well. They're just shaking you down. Pay the bribe and all will be well.

It's just business- you don't want trouble, they don't want trouble, but if you decide to resist, it'll get ugly.

[Lightwave99]

Ducks are part of nature. They are easily shooed away. Unlike sea lions or seals! Enjoy the experience. It is all part of the universal power expressing through life in nature in its myriad forms. We are passing through this vast background of beauty. Hopefully we add harmony and wisdom in our journey.

Happy sailing!

[t588143]

Must be Peking ducks.

[Celestialsailor]

Maybe they think it is a "nesting dinghy"...

[flightlead404]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Come to the UK and try geese or swans.. aggressive ducks are like being savaged by a Chihuahua..

Speaking as a past Chihuahua owner, mine thought she was a pit bull. Not some bug eyed trembly ankle biter. Regularly chased off alsatians, labs, other much bigger dogs. If you get a good one not a "purse dog" they're great. And she adored her older brother, and ex-racer greyhound about 10x her size who thought he was a lap dog.

[flightlead404]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

Back in the day...I lived in the English countryside for a while...Somerset....there was a farmer there that raised ducks...not to eat..but for their eggs..I thought I would give it a try.....
I thought the duck eggs were quite tasty..as compared to a chicken egg...not gamey or anything....just better tasting...

I did try eating duck, but overall didn't care for it...but the eggs were yummy...

Try them braised in tea. Seriously good.

[Cheechako]

Well, it could be worse...

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by GreenWave

What color of noodle works best?


Back on the ducks... Could put two lines of fishing line diagonally across top of dinghy. Rig in a way that it is easy to take down when you need to use it.

Hang some foil on the crossed lines

[Nicholson58]

Try a sling shot but use the clay spheres sold as target ammo. No environmental issue and not lethal. Couldn’t find the goat at the dinner table.