UPDATE: Ducks found in courtyard for second year

A mother mallard duck and her ducklings were discovered in the teacher courtyard on Wednesday, May 11 by a group of students shortly after the mother's ducklings hatched. According to Business Manager Laurie Checco, the ducks were relocated to Sligo Creek on the morning of Saturday, May 14 by the Second Chance Wildlife organization.

The ducks were relocated to Sligo Creek with the help of Second Chance Wildlife. According to Blair Administrative Assistant Carrie Addison, the mother duck and ducklings were caught and put in separate cages but were allowed to see each other before the move to prevent chaos. Addison explained that the ducks were not relocated to the Blair wetlands because of the two foxes that currently inhabit the area.

This is the second year in a row that this particular mother duck has nested in one of Blair's two courtyards, according to Checco. Checco attributes the mother's selection of the courtyard as her nesting place to the location's isolation. "She's a smart duck," said Checco.

Since the ducklings hatched, Blair's staff provided the animals with food and a small, artificial pond. According to Checco, there appeared to be between nine and 12 hatched ducklings. "They're hard to count," noted Checco, laughing. "They move pretty fast."

Despite the possible dangers in an urban environment, Checco and Middleton believe that the birds were relatively safe where they are now. "We've been keeping the doors locked," said Middleton. "They're safe here."

According to Alicia Eastham of the Second Chance Wildlife Center, the relocation of wild ducks must be handled with extreme care. "It's a federal crime to disturb a nest if the mother is still alive," said Eastham. "It's best to leave it to a professional." Eastham noted that the easiest way to relocate ducks is to have them follow the mother through the building rather than catch each ducking. Still, Eastham emphasized the importance of letting a professional handle any relocation job.

Checco has also collaborated with former Business Manager Anne Alban, who arranged for the relocation of the same mother duck last year through Animal Services, to determine what organization was best suited for relocation.

Although the mother and ducklings were relatively safe from harm in the teacher courtyard, it was vital that the relocation into the wild was done immediately, according to Horticulture and Environmental Science teacher Leslie Backus. "Right from the get-go [ducklings] need to learn how to feed," said Backus. "That's the first thing [mallards] do."

Now after the mother duck's second relocation, Checco wonders if Blair is becoming this mother mallard's permanent home. "If the ducks want to nest there, they'll do so," said Checco.