Urban-Bound Ducklings on the Run: Navigating the Safest Path for Duck Familes in the City
Assisting Migratory Ducklings: Guidelines for Aiding and Protecting Duck Families During Their Journeys - Guiding Strategies for Securely Assisting Duck Familes
Hey there! You've probably seen the news lately — courageous ducklings' stories making waves as they navigate our bustling streets and highways, and our local law enforcement stepping in to lend a helping hand. Just recently, ten tiny ducklings managed to scramble to safety on the A67 near Büttelborn, in the heart of Groß-Gerau. And it's not just them; ducklings have been spotted along the A5 between Hemsbach and the Weinheim motorway junction, bravely waddling amidst city traffic.
So, you might wonder, why the sudden rush?
As it turns out, ducks, in their quaint duckling form, spend much of their time in aquatic settings. This is where they feed and where their little ones are shielded from predators such as the cunning mink, the sneaky fox, and even the opportunistic house cat. "Duck breeding season kicks off around mid-March," shares Torsten Collet from NABU Rhineland-Palatinate, "and the first sprightly ducklings hatch in April or May." These little wonders are dubbed "brood parasites," as the mother duck leaves her nest just 6 to 12 hours after hatching and proceeds with her scurry to the nearest suitable water source. That often means crossing one, if not two, thoroughfares.
These ducks don't shy away from our urban infrastructure to protect themselves, as evident in Frankfurt, where a mother nestled her brood comfortably in a fifth-floor flowerpot — safe from ancient foes and far from any visible water source. Kostadin Georgiev from the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment, and Geology's (HLNUG) bird protection station shares similarly intriguing stories.
But what is it that drives these feathery families to brave the noisy, rumbling roar of city traffic?
"Over time, animals that thrive in urban settings grow accustomed to the various noises that surround them," clarifies Collet. "When they discern that these noises don't necessarily equate to immediate danger, city traffic sounds become less intimidating for ducks." Georgiev echoes this, affirming, "The mother duck knows the quickest, safest route to the water."
Accepting assistance may not always be necessary, but what if the ducklings are left on their own? Could they survive without a mother's care, or would they require human intervention? Could another mothering duck take a liking to the orphaned ducklings?
"As brood parasites, ducklings are self-sufficient from the get-go," explains Georgiev. "However, the feathered parents do offer protection from predators and guidance on what foods are safe to eat during the first few days of life." In theory, another mother duck may welcome the addition of orphaned ducklings, asserts Collet.
So what's the right approach when we come across ducklings on their urban adventure? Who should we turn to for help?
"In most cases, the best course of action is to leave the ducklings alone," advises Georgiev. Legal guidelines even prohibit removing the ducklings from their surroundings. On busy roads and motorways, it's recommended to contact the authorities to avoid potentially hazardous situations. If the ducklings and parents need to cross busy roads, they must be gently captured and transported to the nearest appropriate water source.
People in the community might consider taking action to aid in the conservation of fishery resources by advocating for sustainable fisheries policies that prioritize the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems and the species within them. Home-and-garden enthusiasts could also contribute to the conservation efforts by creating and maintaining spaces that attract and support local wildlife, providing safe habitats for various species. For instance, a water feature in the garden could attract ducks and provide a safe haven for them and their young ones.
