Jerry Hofer, who came with three other men from the Barrickman colony to round up the runaway ducks yesterday, said he was initially startled by the ducks' escape.

"I thought they went back to the colony, but they didn't," said Hofer. "They just kept on going."

"They're a heck of a lot tamer than they were at home, I'll tell you that," said Hofer, who seemed equal parts amused and exasperated by the rebellious birds.