GUEYDAN, LA. DUCK CAPITAL OF AMERICA.

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Video duck capital of america

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We had two things in mind for yesterday’s adventures. We first headed for the small town of Gueydan’s local museum. Gueydan is known as the Duck Capital of America and we were hoping to see ducks in and around the area as we went. I guess it is fitting that we saw duck decoys in the little Gueydan Museum run by Jane Hair.

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Ms. Jane Hair also hosted a Spirit of the Swamp art contest for local artists. This was my favorite.

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The item I had never seen before, which Il always look for, was this musical instrument. Simple in its construction. Almost makes me think I could make one myself. We’ve mentioned before what a friendly place this area is, and we met a couple at the museum we had met previously in Lake Charles during Mardi Gras. They all assured us that it was possible to see millions of ducks in the area.

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The brochure on Gueydan also mentioned Ellis Stansel’s Gourmet Rice, that the locals call popcorn rice. Sounded intriguing and Jane called to see if we could tour their facility. She gave us directions and off we went.

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This is a photo of a picture of Ellis Stansel stapling closed a bag of rice.At one time everything was done by hand. Now, the process is all automated.

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The person who gives tours was not available, but Macy, a young woman employee, let us look around and sent us home with a bag of gourmet rice. It is the odor when cooking that gives it its nickname of popcorn rice because it smells so much like popcorn. The picture shows the many products they sell. About a 1,000 pounds a day.

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Stansel grows crawfish in the rice fields as well. The little red caps of crawfish baskets show above the water.

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As we drove around the back roads, it was pretty obvious why this is the duck capital of the world. The many rice farms, and swampy bottom land around the area attracts those millions of birds, with good food.

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The birds fly when disturbed and circle then return to eating. What a site to see. At one farm, the tractor was moving through the water and the birds were moving ahead of the tractor to eat something from the disturbed mud.

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Some would have more white than black birds.

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A closer looks and the birds are not ducks at all. They are ibis’. Ducks come at a different time of year, apparently.

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We saw huge numbers of birds flying in formation over the vast rice fields. The curved beaks are Ibis’.

Mark and Marlene

We returned to the American Legion for a nightcap and met this very adventurous retired educator, Marlene and her husband Mark. We talked to a whole new crowd from the day before and some of those we met earlier. Chad, Julia, Norman, Bob, Moose…I don’t remember everyone’s name. We were told you have to go to the Red Rose Bar. They cook a dinner for everybody on Wednesdays. We drove behind Chad and Julia.

Delta-Owner of Da Red Rose

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Miss Janet Theriot and her husband. Janet is known as MaBee.

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She gave me an autographed copy of her cookbook.

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Theresa

Theresa.

Tina

Tina. I met such strong, interesting, independent women.

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And their men. Before the evening was over, we lite-weights had to leave. Jim fades about seven p.m.

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These friendly folks sent us home with dinner to go. Roasted tongue with just a hint of Cajun seasonings. Excellent.

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Ethan Smith is a seasoned marine veteran, professional blogger, witty and edgy writer, and an avid hunter. He spent a great deal of his childhood years around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Watching active hunters practise their craft initiated him into the world of hunting and rubrics of outdoor life. He also honed his writing skills by sharing his outdoor experiences with fellow schoolmates through their high school’s magazine. Further along the way, the US Marine Corps got wind of his excellent combination of skills and sought to put them into good use by employing him as a combat correspondent. He now shares his income from this prestigious job with his wife and one kid. Read more >>