Saturday 29 March 2014

Scout Duck: 024

Originally posted on 12/12/2012

Scout Duck: 024 San Antonio, Texas USA. This is simply marvellous 2012 has been the best year for duck reports and with only 19 days of 2012 to go another duck has reported back!
Scout Duck 024 e-mailed to let me know that he now resides with one Mr. “Dinosaur George” Blasing of San Antonio, Texas! Dinosaur George is a self taught palaeontologist and animal behaviourist with more than 35 years of study and research. Blasing is a writer, television personality and lecturer, lecturing in over 2800 schools, museums and public events. For the past 15 years he has taught the wonders of prehistoric life to elementary and middle schools all over America. Scout Duck 024 joined him on his latest program, Museum in the Classroom, where George actually brings an entire museum to the school! This is one of the largest travelling prehistoric exhibits in North America and an absolutely wonderful idea as it allows students to experience a magnificent museum quality exhibition without having to leave the campus. I thank him for his time and for joining in my venture and congratulate him on doing a magnificent job bringing this wonderful subject into the schools, maintaining children’s interests and answering our future palaeontologist questions! Please click on the link and check out his amazing work and support his projects just as he supported mine.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 029

Originally posted on 06/09/2012

Scout Duck: 029 Ryde, Isle of Wight. Can you believe this? Another duck has reported back! Scout Duck 029 e-mailed back a report from The Isle of Wight! Apparently attends the annual 4-day bestival music festival that they have down there. Seems he also meet renowned aviation and marine artist Mr Ivan Berryman. Mr Berryman lives in Ryde and has been a professional artist for some thirty-five years much of his work commissioned by people who have served on or flown in military that request specific events in aviation history.  Despite being better known for his military pictures Mr Berryman also paints fantasy art under the pseudonym of Heller.  Check out his web site for further information on his amazing work.  My thanks to Mr Berryman for his time and my sincerest thanks to 029’s guardian Wendy.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 013

Originally posted on 05/09/2012

Scout Duck: 013 Rogiet, Monmouthshire, Wales.
The appropriately numbered 013 was almost written off as a ‘lost duck’! Discovered in Lincoln in 2009 by Rachel and Andy who realised on their return home to Rogiet that 013 was not in their luggage! A frantic call to the B&B proved fruitless despite the staff searching the premises for him he was gone. That was until a year later when Rachel packed for a return trip to Lincoln only to rediscover 013 inside her boot! So here he is the Scout Duck that lived in a boot for a year! I’m pleased to say that he now lives on their living room windowsill.


For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 023

Originally posted on 03/09/2012
Whenever a Scout Duck reports back I write a project update. The updates usually provide a little information on the Scout Duck’s whereabouts sometimes mention the contributor that kindly took the time to photograph the duck and report back to me. This is not always possible however as some contributors like to remain ‘anonymous’ sometimes only providing the location. In some cases the duck has been photographed at the very spot they were discovered in other cases they find themselves in completely new locations. Either way their submissions are just as important!

Scout Duck: 023 Sydney, Australia.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world

Scout Duck: 022

Originally posted on 03/09/2012
Whenever a Scout Duck reports back I write a project update. The updates usually provide a little information on the Scout Duck’s whereabouts sometimes mention the contributor that kindly took the time to photograph the duck and report back to me. This is not always possible however as some contributors like to remain ‘anonymous’ sometimes only providing the location. In some cases the duck has been photographed at the very spot they were discovered in other cases they find themselves in completely new locations. Either way their submissions are just as important!

Scout Duck:022 Gold Creek, Nevada USA.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world

Scout Duck: 015

Originally posted on 03/09/2012
Whenever a Scout Duck reports back I write a project update. The updates usually provide a little information on the Scout Duck’s whereabouts sometimes mention the contributor that kindly took the time to photograph the duck and report back to me. This is not always possible however as some contributors like to remain ‘anonymous’ sometimes only providing the location. In some cases the duck has been photographed at the very spot they were discovered in other cases they find themselves in completely new locations. Either way their submissions are just as important!

Scout Duck: 015 Selsey, West Sussex, England.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world

Scout Duck: 012

Originally posted on 03/09/2012
Whenever a Scout Duck reports back I write a project update. The updates usually provide a little information on the Scout Duck’s whereabouts sometimes mention the contributor that kindly took the time to photograph the duck and report back to me. This is not always possible however as some contributors like to remain ‘anonymous’ sometimes only providing the location. In some cases the duck has been photographed at the very spot they were discovered in other cases they find themselves in completely new locations. Either way their submissions are just as important!

Scout Duck: 012 Marmaris, Turkey.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world

Scout Duck: 010

Originally posted on 03/09/2012
Whenever a Scout Duck reports back I write a project update. The updates usually provide a little information on the Scout Duck’s whereabouts sometimes mention the contributor that kindly took the time to photograph the duck and report back to me. This is not always possible however as some contributors like to remain ‘anonymous’ sometimes only providing the location. In some cases the duck has been photographed at the very spot they were discovered in other cases they find themselves in completely new locations. Either way their submissions are just as important!


Scout Duck: 010 Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, England.
For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 018

Originally posted on 01/09/2012

Scout Duck: 018 Capernwray Quarry, Lancashire, England.
Scout Ducks can be like buses at times interestedly enough two ducks reported back from Lancashire this week! My Scout Ducks are normally quite buoyant but as this photograph taken by the Tamworth Toads Dive Club reveals its not always the case as Scout Duck 018 was discovered 18m below the surface of the water!



For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012 All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 025

Originally posted on 28/08/2012

Scout Duck: 025 Oldham, Lancashire, England. Scout Duck 025 reported back today! His new owner Mark notified me that,  “My Duck pays tribute to the bazzin performer and artist frank sidebottom by posing with some of frank's best work. He also paid tribute to Duane 'Dog The Bounty Hunter ' Chapman who was recently denied entry into the UK to take part in the recent edition of Celebrity Big Brother which is a shame as he is ace and has done lots of good work.  Mr Duck with just have to watch the Dog DVD'S.”



For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 069

Originally posted on 23/05/2011


Scout Duck: 069 Anglesey, North Wales. “Jonny” as he is better known now resides in Anglesey with his owner Malcolm. Apparently he’s been quite the busy duck doing the rounds clubbing and "ravin" in Magaluf and the United Kingdom. On one occasion he was even reunited with his brother Scout Duck: 007! How do I know all this? He told me so on his facebook page! I asked for a photograph to be submitted, so here it is... Its different I’ll give him that…


For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
 © Arfon Jones 2012. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 009

Originally posted on 27/06/2011

Scout Duck: 009 Rhyl, North Wales.
009 has made himself (herself?) at home with artist and fashion/ textiles designer Iris Hung. Armed with an MA in fine art a BA in fashion and textile designs and a PGCE teaching she completing her 5year teaching experience qualification, moving on to specialise in fabric design. She became heavily involved in knitting, embroidery, screen printing and making costumes rather like the snazzy Welsh lady costume that 009 is wearing in the photo! Apart from working on charity fund raising fashion shows she has had her knitted fabric designs sold to Fendi, one of leading fashion designers at the Paris Indigo show. She has also created costume interpretations at Plas Newydd her interpretations include the 1st marquis, 5th marquis and Rex Whistler based on the museum’s photos and paintings. I’m most grateful to Iris for her time and efforts in proving a good home for 009!
To see more of Iris’s fantastic work please visit her web site

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2011. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 017

Originally posted on 16/05/2011

Scout Duck: 017 Nottingham, England.
Scout Duck 017 has surfaced in Nottingham were he now resides with burlesque star Betty Jane. Thanks for the photos Betty!






For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 019

Originally posted on 07/05/2011

Scout Duck: 019 Codfish Island – New Zealand.
To date the scout duck that has travelled the furthest has to be 019 who reported back the other day from the Codfish Island Kakapo Program in New Zealand! The Kakapo also known as the owl parrot, is a large, flightless nocturnal parrot or as Douglas Adams once described “'the world's largest, fattest and least-able-to-fly parrot”. Native only to New Zealand and listed as a critically endangered species (at the time of writing this there are only 131 known to be in existence) it truly is a remarkable bird. Its not only the heaviest parrot in the world it’s also believed to have a life expectancy of 90 years! When the continents shifted and New Zealand broke off, their habitat had no mammalian predators, this resulted in the Kakapo loosing its ability to fly. When humans arrived on the islands centuries later they took advantage of this bird’s inability to escape, harvesting the birds. They also introduced predators such as cats, rats and stoats to the island worsening the situation for the ground nesting Kakapo who was almost wiped out. Despite conservation efforts made in the ninetieth century, numbers continued to dwindle, then in 1989 the Kakapo Recovery Plan was implemented. All surviving Kakapo were transferredhttp to two predator-free islands, Codfish and Anchor where the bird’s breeding is closely monitored by a group of scientists, rangers and volunteers, tirelessly safeguarding the remaining 131 Kakapo in the world.


I commend their efforts in preserving this magnificent species, wishing them every success in their conservation work and thank them for taking part in this venture by homing, scout duck 019.
To find out more about the Kakapo and the conservation work please visit their site
Or make a donation towards Kakapo recovery programme.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck 026

Originally posted on 07/05/2011

Scout Duck 026: Clevedon Bristol, England.
Scout Duck 026 has reported back! He’s taken up residence with multimedia artist Heather Tweed! Heather has exhibited widely across the country (with pieces in New York, Tokyo and The National Library of Congress, Washington) and been involved in a variety of projects over the years including teaching, workshops, and artist led exhibitions as well as exhibiting in traditional art galleries and alternative spaces.
She has worked with organisations including The British Council Cairo, Bristol City Council and Arts & Business. Her first Degree is in Fine Art Ceramics and further education includes a PGCE in Fine Art and Design and a PGC in Digital Entrepreneurship. The ever-expanding Installation Anubis Other World Tour has been visiting art galleries, caves and other interesting venues scaring, delighting and perplexing in equal measure since 1997. To find out more about her fantastic work check out the web site! Many thanks to Heather for taking part in the project.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck:030

Originally posted on 11/01/2011

Scout Duck:030 Hamamatsu, Shizuoka- Japan. Back in March 2010 it would seem that scout duck 30 made his way to Japan in the suitcase of one Gwyneth Jones as she embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime; teaching English while living in Japan. Nervous about taking such a huge step on her own, she took scout duck 30 with her for company and moral support. Together, they have travelled from the bright lights of downtown Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto. He has encountered sushi trains, geisha, crazy characters and even ridden the bullet train. Pictured, you can see him enjoying the cherry blossoms outside Hamamatsu Castle back in April 2010. He continues to travel Japan alongside Gwyneth, who holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Manchester. You can follow her adventures here My sincerest thanks to Gwyneth for taking good care of scout duck 030 and taking part in the project!

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck:011

Originally posted on 02/12/2010

Scout Duck:011 Brighton East Sussex, England. Last year Scout Duck 011 made his location known to me on a Youtube video blog called ‘The Doctor’s Diary’. Created back in 2008 the blogs provided a window into the life of Doctor Who fanatic Dale Who. Unfortunately, due to copyright issues the video no longer exists but in it Dale introduced his newly discovered Scout Duck to the world and made him a regular feature in his videos! Finding the blogs to be a fun and easy way to promote the things he liked, Dale shared his passion for movies, television shows, fan films and of course Doctor Who! Aside from being an authority of all things Who, he appeared in the UK Gold 40th anniversary special played a Dalek at conventions and Brighton Pier’s Doctor Who exhibition in 2006.
Each week 011 (Renamed Matt Smith Duck in honour of the 11th Doctor) accompanied K-9 and Dale as he mulled over the latest developments in the World of Who his full sized TARDIS looming in the background and then on March 1st Dale decided to move on!

It was the end but the moment had been prepared for...Dale can still be heard on ‘The Happiness Patrol’ a great series of fan-based Doctor Who podcast. On November 23rd (Doctor Who's 47th birthday) Dale continues his legacy, spreading the good word and sharing his passion with the world.
I would like to thank Dale for his support. Scout Duck: 011 is in very good hands!


For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 008


Originally posted on 08/05/2011

Scout Duck: 008 West Bay Shore, New York –USA.
Scout Duck 008 was one of the first ducks to report back, I received this single photo of the well-travelled duck perched on a sign informing me of his arrival at Sagtikos Manor at West Bay Shore in Suffolk County, New York. Seemed all was well he was now in the company of Gracie Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Bikram Yoga instructor and native Long Islander/ Nyer Mr Brian Ugor. He still sends the occasional photo informing me of his exploits! My sincere thanks to Brian for taking part in this venture.

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 007


Originally posted on 28/11/2010


Scout Duck: 007, of all the scout ducks 007 is the hardest to pinpoint, he seems to be travelling all over the UK I know this because I am regularly informed of his exploits through his Facebook page! He appears to be in the possession of one dj Baggio who is rapidly becoming the No.1 Hardcore Dj in North Wales! A front man for Deja-vu project a group made up of dj`s and club night promoters in North Wales Baggio is known for playing hardcore and Hardstyle at some of the biggest venues to come to North Wales. Playing alongside some of the biggest names around, the likes of Dj Sy, Darren Styles, Hixxy, Ultrabeats Chris Henry & Ian Redman, Dj Kuta N-trance & Clubland, Flip n Fill to name but a few! Since joining the "crew" 007 (James Pond Duck to his friends) has become a regular face at sets having countless ravers coming over and having their picture taken with him! Naturally, being this popular it was only a matter of time before he had his own Facebook page, at the time of writing this Scout Duck 007 had 833 friends was ‘tagged’ in 116 photos! So if you are at any dj Baggio/Deja-vu project events look out for Scout Duck 007 and have your photo taken with him and share them on the gallery!My sincerest thanks to dj Baggio, Kelly Bonkers and Malcolm Clubfarrar for taking care of 007 and embracing the project!


















































For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
Photos courtesy of dj Baggio, Kelly Bonkers and Malcolm Clubfarrar
Operation Bath Duck © Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 004

Originally posted on 07/11/2010

Morfa Nefyn, North Wales.
004 has taken up residents in the home of Jo Scott in Morfa Nefyn, North Wales.Out of the 100 scout ducks, 004 have undoubtedly been the busiest! Always reporting back from a new adventure! I asked Jo to give a short bio of her self and this is what she sent me,
Oh Arfon I tried. I sat right down and wrote myself a letter.... Nope I didn’t that’s a song...I did however sit down and tried to write something about myself and just couldn’t, couldn’t find anything interesting to write... So basically I suppose what you see is what you get short, bubbly blonde who loves laughing enjoys meeting people, travelling taking photos and having fun! ...oooops sounds like a lonely hearts advert!!...But its not Ive been happily married to my long suffering husband so HE says.. for 20 years,.. I have 1 son a teenager...enough said ;) who I love dearly...and MY god is HE expensive!!!...And we have a new member of our family Dell my Babi Cymru our black Labrador Puppy.....But any hoots I love MY Scout duck 004 !!!!...he enables me to be abit more daft than usual !!! And he came into my life when I wasn’t in the best of health, Id had allot of operations and boring, boring hospital stays etc, BUT Good ole 004 cheered me up no end
Jo has been a keen supporter of the project right from the start, and I thank her dearly for her commitment. Here is a small selection of photos she has submitted over the past year, the rest can be seen of the Facebook group gallery

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck: 003

Originally posted on 09/06/2010

Scout Duck: 003 Kentucky, USA.
003 now resides with singer Melissa Hillard in Kentucky, USA. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada Melissa began singing at the age of 10 with her family in Southern Gospel music. At the age of 12 she started recording and travelling full-time across Canada and into a large portion of the United States. Recording 6 albums and winning the Homeland Publishing and Recording award in Nashville in 1998. In 2000 she along with her family were granted missionary status into the USA. For the next 3 years she continued ministering in song with her family until 2003 when she took time to devote to her new family and home in Western Kentucky. While she primarily sings contemporary music these days she has shared the stage with such groups as Gold City, Brian Free and Assurance appearing on International television on numerous occasions.
Thanks for your commitment to the project Melissa!

To find out more about Melissa, her music and her up and coming CD please visit her official site

Scout Duck: 005 Kentucky, USA…. No, I haven’t muddled up the numbers Scout Duck 005 lost his way and ended up in Kentucky along with Scout Duck: 003! He’s fine, but he needs to move on and find a new home. So, in response to the Facebook group members requesting their own Scout Duck I have set a competition. If you think you have an interesting photo opportunity for him, simply join the group and let me know what you have in mind. All entries must be submitted by the 30th of June whereupon the most exciting entry will be selected. Further details can be found here.
So don’t delay! Scout Duck 005 could very well be winging his way to you!

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'

© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.

Scout Duck:006

Originally posted on 24/ 01/2010 

Scout Duck:006 Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.
006 is in the company of inventor, artist and visionary Wilf Lunn! Known to thousands for demonstrating his fantastic creations on such shows as ‘Vision On’ ‘Jigsaw’ ‘Eureka’ and ‘Fantastic Facts’. Before working in television Wilf first started making miniature bicycles when he taught lip-reading & religious knowledge at Odsal House School For the Deaf It was during an exhibition of his bicycles he was invited to appear on television. Growing up in the 1980’s I adored Wilf’s work and I was mesmerised by the wonderful inventions that he demonstrated in his workshop. His invention for helping dog’s loose weight in the form of walking dog food still remains fresh in my subconscious to this very day! So, it was to my absolute delight that Scout Duck:006 found its way to Huddersfield and become a part of Wilf’s version of how man evolved! ladies and gentlemen of the World Wide Web I give you ‘Evolution Duck’ By Wilf Lunn!

To find out more about Wilf and his brilliant creations visit his Official Web Site Wilf also writes a Colum for the Huddersfield Daily Examiner and be sure to order his fantastic book WILF LUNN - "MY BEST CELLAR" (autobiography up to the age of eleven & other stuff)

For a detailed account of the project please read 'Operation Bath Duck'
© Arfon Jones 2010. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.