Waterfowl

Aylesbury Duck

Critical: Fewer than 500 breeding birds in the US with 5 or fewer primary breeding flocks

Origin: Aylesbury, England 

Flavor Profile: A bouncy texture and rich creamy fat, robust flavor with nutty and herbaceous notes 

Producers: Frank Reese, Good Shepherd Ranch 

History: The Aylesbury Duck reached its peak popularity in the late 1800s when thousands of ducklings were sent from the town of Aylesbury to London and served at the top restaurants of the day. Since then, the breed was crossed with other breeds like the Pekin, which fared better in industrial settings. If it were not for a few dedicated farmers who kept it pure, it is likely the breed would have disappeared for good. This is the original Christmas duck.

French Dewlap Toulouse Goose

Watch: Fewer than 5,000 breeding birds in the US with 10 or fewer primary breeding flocks 

Origin: Toulouse, France

Producers: Frank Reese, Good Shepherd Ranch 

History: The original Foie gras goose, this was the goose of wealth and royalty, praised for the large amount of meat and delicious fats they produced. It has a grey back, grey neck a bright orange bill with a pure white underbelly. Known for its extra large size and heavy feathers it also has a Dewlap, a pendulous skin appendage that develops under the throat of the goose — very unique trait to the Toulouse.