LELAND — A new batch of ducklings are awaiting their turn to join the other ducks along Deer Creek.
Leland resident Kenner Patton has spent the past month raising more than 50 baby Pekin ducks.
Patton has been raising the ducks, which are turning from yellow to white, since they were 2 days old. He will say goodbye to them on Father’s Day for the annual Deer Creek Duck Launch.
“This takes a lot of work. I have to give them food and water at least three times a day,” Patton said. “Even though I will be happy to see them freed, I have grown attached to them.”
The event, which is set to take place at 3 p.m. June 21, is sponsored by the Leland Chamber of Commerce. The launch will take place at the intersection of South Deer Creek West and Sycamore Street in Leland.
Those wishing to sponsor a duck (corporate memberships are welcome) will be allowed to give the duck a name. The sponsor’s name and the duckling’s name will be printed in The Leland Progress. The fee to sponsor a duck is $7, and all the proceeds go to support the Deer Creek Duck Project and other Chamber of Commerce projects. Those wanting to sponsor a duck can contact the chamber at 662-379-3764.
People have been placing ducks in the creek for years, but the official Deer Creek Duck Launch was started in 2012 as a way to do something about the decreasing duck population along Deer Creek that locals enjoyed admiring for many years.
In 2012, Richard Taylor of Farmers Feed and Supply purchased four large stationary duck feeders to be placed along Leland’s Deer Creek in hopes the food would help keep the ducks local.
Due to a high survivability rate during the winter of 2017-2018, ducks were not placed in the creek that spring. Otherwise, folks in Leland have held a duck launch every year since 2012 to continue repopulating the ducks.
Natural predators, such as foxes, alligators, and otters, cause the duck population to decrease some each year, but another problem is 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.
“It is such a great thing to see the ducks hit the water for the first time,” Patton said. “This event is designed for the entire family, and everyone is welcome.”
