MetaChat - Man, I love the web ...

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

30 January 2008

Man, I love the web ... →[More:]
When I was in NYC I took this photo of a mallard in Central Park. It was the only one that was this colour, all the other male mallards had the normal colouring of dark green iridescent head and dull brown body.

So, curious, I wanted to find out more about this duck and after finding no trace of such a breed of mallard with this plumage on the web I emailed the American Ornithologists' Union, and very promptly received a reply.

For me, this is one of the great, great benefits of the web. I am endlessly curious about different things, and with a bit of googling it's usually possible to find someone who knows everything there is to know about even the most esoteric subject. And they're usually only too glad to share their knowledge in response to a query. I've found about all kinds of things - landmarks, plants, animals, birds, bugs, food, local customs - in this way.

So, yay teh intarwebs.

Oh, and the free pr0n is good too.

post by: essexjan at: 11:50 | 6 comments

What did they say about the duck? Has he had a bleach job?

posted by doctor_negative 30 January | 13:09

In Audobon Park in New Orleans, we came across a bunch of geese and ducks along the pond -- including a duck-goose hybrid. It had mated with a duck and was aggressively protecting the brood.

posted by me3dia 30 January | 13:17

The duck is a cross-breed, with one white duck parent and one mallard parent, doc_neg. It probably still tastes good though.

posted by essexjan 30 January | 13:30

when I have a lot of land (yeh right) i am having a lot of chickens and ducks and i will make tasty duck egg omelettes.

posted by By the Grace of God 30 January | 13:36

Since you mentioned the P word Jan, someone should invoke Rule #34 for this thread, but no way in hell is it gonna be ME.

*smile*

posted by danf 30 January | 13:46

Duck-goose hybrid pr0n. With tentacles!

He's cute! Watch the geese though - I had a flock chase me around the lake at uni once. I was peacefully trying to eat my lunch, and they pecked and ran at me for 5 mins or so until I ended up having to climb up a tree to escape the fowl wretches. One of them even tore a piece from the back of my skirt! I'm sure it was breeding season and I wasn't paying attention and sat right next to the nest or something, but still. It would have been hilarious to watch.

That's also one of the many reasons I love the interwebs ej. Experts are a lot closer.

posted by goo 30 January | 14:07

← Edwards drops out || THIS IS A SHOUTING THREAD →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN