The Big Duck came home to roost in Flanders Saturday with all the fanfare expected after a 20-year absence.

Back in 1987, the Long Island landmark flew the coop when a developer threatened to demolish it to build houses. The monument was moved to a safe haven four miles down the road in Hampton Bays. However, residents in Flanders wanted their beloved icon back under its wing.

After five years of lobbying local politicians, Flanders residents saw their dream come true. Friday night the 20,000-pound duck waddled down the road with the help of some towing rigs. The duck was then set on the same exact spot where it perched in Flanders for 56 years as a symbol of the Island's duck farming past.

Town leaders hope the Big Duck will draw big crowds to Flanders. Southampton Town Supervisor Skip Heaney said he hopes the town will be able to establish a tourist center inside the duck. ?The duck is an important symbol of the revitalization of the community,? said Heaney.