LELAND — The still waters of Deer Creek will soon be making waves when 100 ducks make a splash into their new home.
The duck launch, where the ducks will be corralled and guided into the water, is set for 3 p.m. June 16 at South Deer Creek Drive West and Sycamore Street in Leland.
When the ducks were being ordered, co-organizer Kenner Patton said he wanted to get less than they have in years past because it can be challenging to care for such a large number of ducks.
“We only ordered 75 but they ended up shipping 100,” he said with a laugh, noting the ducks so far seem to be healthy and growing well.
The ducks were picked up from the Greenville Post Office a little over a week ago and have been kept under the care of Richard Taylor at Farmer’s Feed and Supply.
Once the ducklings have grown a bit more, they will be transported to Patton’s home, where they will be kept in three cotton trailers that have been turned upside down and converted into poultry pens, until they are mature enough to venture into the waters of Deer Creek.
“We’re excited about the fowl transition to the creek,” Taylor said, noting families are encouraged to attend with their children to help guide the ducks into the creek.
Until the day of the big event, Taylor said they are inviting the community to sponsor a duck for $10 each. Sponsorship funds go toward the Leland Duck Fund, which covers the cost and care of the ducks and food for the handful of stationary duck-feeders along Deer Creek.
Once a duck has been sponsored, Taylor said people are invited to give it a name.
Folks still have time to drop off checks at Farmer’s Feed and Supply c/o Duck Feed Supply or mail checks to Deer Creek Duck Fund c/o Farmers Feed and Supply, 608 N. Main St., Leland, MS 38756.
History of duck launch
The duck launch was started in 2012 as a way to do something about the decreasing duck population in Deer Creek.
In 2012, Taylor purchased four large stationary duck-feeders to be placed along Leland’s Deer Creek in hopes the food would help keep the ducks local.
With 2018 being the only exception, folks in Leland have held a duck launch every year since to continue repopulating the ducks.
Natural predators, such as foxes and turtles, cause the duck population to decrease some each year, but another problem are the locals hitting the ducks as they drive along the creek.
While driving along Deer Creek, motorists are encouraged to keep a mindful watch for the ducks because they, too, sometimes like to cross the road.
