The Pigeon Key Foundation is adopting two ducks from the Marathon Wild Bird Center. Both ducks have disabilities, meaning they can’t be rehabilitated and released into the wild. In order to provide the animals a home, and care for them, the foundation is having a naming contest.
“Yes, name that duck,” said Kelly McKinnon, foundation director, laughing. “We thought it would just add another layer to the experience of visiting Pigeon Key.”
Pigeon Key is the island in the center of the 7 Mile Bridge, once home to workers constructing the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Right now, the birds go by “Duck 1” and “Duck 2.” For a measly $30, citizens can submit a name. For $50, they can submit names for both ducks. The deadline for submission is Sunday, Feb. 28. Then the voting begins, at $10 per vote.
According to McKinnon and staff at Pigeon Key Foundation, the ducks have distinct personalities. Duck 1 is a male Muscovy missing the bottom half of one leg. He’s a “short flyer,” explorer and a fast friend of the other duck. Duck 1 is shy, but friendly and curious and loves a little snack of dog food. Duck 2 is a female Indian Runner and very outspoken. She has a “club foot” and, like the rest of her species, doesn’t fly. When the other duck is exploring, she’s lonely.
To submit names — and we’re betting on at least one Duck Norris, Ducky McDuckface or Aflac — visit http://www.givinggrid.com/adscpv. Make a donation and type the proposed duck names in the comment box. For example: “Duck 1 = Duck Norris” and “Duck 2 = Daisy Duck.” The Marathon Weekly will reveal the winners early next month!
