Fuzzy Duck

Cordelia, California, June 2, 2006:

The International Bird Rescue Research Center in Cordelia plans to raise funds with an unusual duck X-ray. The bird came in with a broken wing, but when Marie Travers, assistant manager of the center, radiographed the duck, she was stunned to see a very clear image of what appeared to be the face, or head, of an extraterrestrial alien in the bird's stomach. What's oddest is that the alien appears to have a mustache.

"Marie looked at it and all she could say was 'unbelievable,'" said Karen Benzel, public affairs director for the rescue center, which has been rescuing sick and injured birds for more than three decades.

Unfortunately, the duck died quickly and quietly of its injuries.

Initial reports from the center claimed the cause of the alien face was never determined, but Benzel said she was still awaiting results of a necropsy.

Either way, the center has come up with a way to turn its alien encounter into a fundraiser for the center. It will auction off the X-ray on eBay.

The one-of-a-kind image, which measures 17-by-14 inches, will be sold along with a certificate of authenticity. All proceeds will go toward funding the center's rehabilitation programs.

The New Jersey-based Ronatarian Party plans to send out several representatives to examine the duck. Party founder and leader Ron is expected to bid on the X-ray. Ron has had a longtime fascination with the extraordinary, bizarre, and macabre.

"A mustached alien inside a duck is just the sort of thing he goes for," said party #2 man Brad. "He's f*cking psyched!"

The auction begins Sunday.

Posted by Bittle at June 2, 2006 09:29 AM