Big Duck Named 'Strange Spot' In New York State

FLANDERS, NY — The Big Duck, an iconic structure in Flanders that symbolizes a sign of home for so many on the East End, got a shout out recently as one of the strangest sights in New York State.

According to a post in OnlyInYourState.com, the Big Duck is one of 14 "strange sights" statewide that "will make you stop and look twice, at least."

"Out on Long Island you'll find the largest piece of wildlife you've ever laid eyes on in our state, the Big Duck. You may also be surprised to hear that this glorious duckling has made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places!"the post reads.

Other "bizarre" spots in the state, according to the post, include The World's Third Largest Gnome in Kerhonkson and The World's Largest Pancake Griddle in Penn Yann.

Locally, however, the Big Duck has won hearts, turning 85 years old in 2016.

Certain iconic structures instantly conjure up memories for generations of East End residents, and the Big Duck leads the pack.

The Big Duck was constructed in 1931, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, on the Big Duck's big birthday. First located on Main Street in Riverhead, the Duck has been moved three times before making its final nest on Big Duck Ranch in Flanders in 2007, Bellone said.

According to Bellone, the 20-foot tall, 30-foot long cement and wood structure was modeled after a Peking duck in order to call attention to the poultry store housed inside.

The Duck's eyes, he said, are constructed from Model T Ford taillights that glow red at night and the belly of the Duck still functions as a gift shop, a tourism center for the East End, Bellone said.

The Big Duck, a Nationally Registered Historic Place, is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

To view the full OnlyInYourState list of "strange" places, click here.

Patch file photo of the Big Duck.