There was a Lover and his Lass
Apparently, a common urban legend says that duck quacks do not echo. This has proved to be false.
Some research into this subject says bird's calls will bounce off hard surfaces in just the same way as with all sounds. Research discovers, however, a kernel of truth to the myth that explains how it arose in the first place.
Science now says the way a duck quacks, with a long "aaaacckkk" on the end of the call, tends to mask any echoes that are produced.
People in white coats used powerful computer tools to analyse Duck noises and simulate them in different environments - such as in front of a cliff face or by a small flowing stream.
Scientists observed, "What all this shows is that the duck's quack fades away but it sounds like it quacks for a long time. Because the duck's quack is rather quiet anyway and the echo comes on the back of a fading sound field, it is as if the echo is being masked. You just don't hear the echo very well and that's probably how this urban myth arose."
So now, you know. You heard it here first!
Sat by a small stream with Pip yesterday, we watched a little duck society go about their daily business with some gusto.
Swimming, …er……ducking, eating bread, frightening small children, quaking, fighting and arguing.
Watching a big old colourful drake following a plump little duck around reminded me it is spring. Forsythia (named after William Forsyth 1737-1804) is out. Primroses and Daffodils are everywhere. It was a lovely bright and meaningful day.
With spring, comes my amazement in nature’s growth. It is a time when men and women’s heart's turn to love. It is a time to reflect on the world’s sincere and honest beauty.
Pip held my freezing hand in hers. A watery sun shone on cold water. We watched that big old drake looking amorously at that pretty little duck and we both thought the same thing………………………“fair play to you mate”
JVIP
Some research into this subject says bird's calls will bounce off hard surfaces in just the same way as with all sounds. Research discovers, however, a kernel of truth to the myth that explains how it arose in the first place.
Science now says the way a duck quacks, with a long "aaaacckkk" on the end of the call, tends to mask any echoes that are produced.
People in white coats used powerful computer tools to analyse Duck noises and simulate them in different environments - such as in front of a cliff face or by a small flowing stream.
Scientists observed, "What all this shows is that the duck's quack fades away but it sounds like it quacks for a long time. Because the duck's quack is rather quiet anyway and the echo comes on the back of a fading sound field, it is as if the echo is being masked. You just don't hear the echo very well and that's probably how this urban myth arose."
So now, you know. You heard it here first!
Sat by a small stream with Pip yesterday, we watched a little duck society go about their daily business with some gusto.
Swimming, …er……ducking, eating bread, frightening small children, quaking, fighting and arguing.
Watching a big old colourful drake following a plump little duck around reminded me it is spring. Forsythia (named after William Forsyth 1737-1804) is out. Primroses and Daffodils are everywhere. It was a lovely bright and meaningful day.
With spring, comes my amazement in nature’s growth. It is a time when men and women’s heart's turn to love. It is a time to reflect on the world’s sincere and honest beauty.
Pip held my freezing hand in hers. A watery sun shone on cold water. We watched that big old drake looking amorously at that pretty little duck and we both thought the same thing………………………“fair play to you mate”
JVIP
posted by Jungle VIP at 3:47 am
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