Hello.
Last spring I witnessed 5 ducklings fall out of their nest in ivy on the top of an 8' wall opposite my office in a quiet part of the middle of Cheltenham.
They all landed safely and shortly afterwards waddled their little bottoms down the road with 'mum' leading the way. As they drifted round the bend though one of them dropped down a drain at the side of the road. Feeling like the hand of God, I scooped the little bundle of fluff out and guided him back towards mum who was now quacking frantically. A few seconds later one of his siblings (who clearly hadn't learned anything from the previous adventure) proceeded to do the same in next drain and again I came to the rescue. I could only follow them so far before I had to let nature take its course and leave them to it.
I've no idea why they nested where they did because we are not near any natural water but this morning I saw mum and dad arrive again for what is bound to be a rerun of last years incident.
Do I help them and if so how (always assuming I see it again) or do I leave them to it?
Oh dear, Stevie
You did the right thing by rescuing the two little ducklings last year. Who could not have done the same.
However, there is little you can do to change the adults' nesting choices. You must leave them to it and hope all goes well. However, if you happen to be by that drain and the same thing happens, I reckon scooping them out is a must!!!
Cheers
Pipit
Unknown said:I've no idea why they nested where they did because we are not near any natural water but this morning I saw mum and dad arrive again for what is bound to be a rerun of last years incident.
There is, apparently, fierce competition for good nest sites among ducks and rivals can and do slaughter the young of the opposition, so many ducks choose to nest well away from water and, as you noticed, well off the ground, hence the big waddle when it's time to hit the wet stuff. Last house I lived in (in Duck Lane appropriately enough) I looked out of the window to see a duck and 6 ducklings waddling down our drive, it was lovely. I have no idea where they were heading.
Thanks for the replies. I haven't seen them in the ivy again in the last few days but have seen ducks flying in the area so I'll keep you posted.
Interestingly, I saw 3 jays in the lane yesterday. Don't see many of those round here!