I haven’t posted much today as I’ve spent much of the day with co-duck-tender Dr. Anna Mueller, going to Home Depot to buy bricks and then putting them in the Duck Ring of Death. This morning I discovered that, as I’d feared, one duckling got trapped in the “duck island” last night, couldn’t jump out over the high lip, and died of exhaustion or drowning (picture below fold if you want to see). Physical Plant couldn’t do anything today, so we decided to put a ramp in the island so that wouldn’t happen again, and fill it up with bricks to allow egress as well as a place to rest. To do that, I had to carry heavy bricks in very cold water up to my thighs. But I’d do that for Honey and her brood of nine. I’m very sad that she’s lost one of her babies.
Here are some photos of our modifications of the duck ring, which, as I’ll relate below, will be turned into a lovely resting place tomorrow. All photos are by Anna Mueller.
Putting bricks of various sizes in the Duck Island of Death:
That water was cold, and the pond is uneven and muddy; it’s tricky walking with heavy bricks:
After a while, a nice guy from Physical Plant came over, and despite my telling him he didn’t need to get into the water, he did—with his uniform on! He brought a small bucket of bricks with which we filled in the ring, and a long piece of stone that served as a ramp to allow the ducks to avoid being trapped.
The final appearance until tomorrow:
Then the Boss came over, and we worked out what will be done by Landscaping tomorrow morning.
- A ramp will go from the water to the shrubbery alongside the building, allowing the ducklings to leave the pond and hide from predators. Right now, they can get out only on the bank, which is easily accessible to people and predators like feral cats.
- Filling in the duck island permanently with river stone up to one inch below the top, with those topped with nice flat flagstones for the ducks to rest on.
- Putting more dirt in the “tree islands” so that the mud is replaced with dry cover for the ducks to rest on.
- A wire fence to keep people from the shore to the north, so that the ducks don’t get too bothered.
- A “do not disturb the ducks” sign on the fence.
If this is done, then the brood stands a good chance. I was assured these fixes will happen, so keep your fingers crossed. Right now Honey has to rest on the bank with her body and wings covering all nine cold babies.
Click “read more” if you want to see the poor dead duckling.
RIP, little guy:
Natural selection can be cruel and heartless.
It is sad to see one of them not make it tho.. Love to see all the ducks make it this summer and return next year or stay all year long…
Way to go, Prof. Ceiling Cat and Dr. Mueller! and the physical plant worker, willing to get wet on a really cold, dank day. It’s in the 40s in Hyde Park today.
Heartwarming.
Legchilling!
Ballshrinking!
To quote Elaine: “It shrinks?”
Like a frightened turtle
Great! Now we can go out on a high note.
So glad you were there and took care of the problem. I hope the rest thrive.
I’m saddened to see the one who didn’t make it.
Great job!
The fate of that poor duckling is sad. I remember that the Canada geese also lost a baby; could it be a similar incident?
Might have a future in pondscaping, Jerry, this professor emeritus thing doesn’t work out for ya.
PCC Artisanal Duck Ponds.
Ceiling Cat Pondscaping
“We promise not to eat your ducks!”
An impressive effort! Thanks for looking out for the ducks. It will be great to watch them grow up 🙂
This Part 2 of the Rescue Operation was priceless to read, huge thanks to Anna Mueller for the recording effort, well done!
Standing by for pictures of the new and safer environment for the youngsters!
Genetic or not, it’s good to see altruism out there.
I couldn’t get physical plant to fix my heat in the dead of winter. The privileges of being at an elite private university, I guess.
My d*gs killed a hapless bunny this morning, so I couldn’t see another dead wee thing.
Good on you for all your hard work and dedication PCC(E)!
So sweet of you to help the duckies!!!
You’re not only a distinguished professor,
you’re one hell of a great human being.
Thanks from an animal lover.
+++
Yes indeed!
I couldn’t have said it better. <3
Well said! ♡ to Jerry and the ducks.
So is Honey back?
YES!
That’s the good news of the day!
Ah, true love comes with responsibilities. PCC you are meeting them head-on. Appreciate the post. Tnx to the whole duck-tending team.
What a mensch! And tell the guy from Physical Plant that we all say “thank you!” I assume I can speak for everyone here on that)
Yes, we all feel the same way.
Why not fill the island with water until it’s at the same level as the rest of the lake? Then, if they can get in, they can get out again. That might not work if the stonework is higher than usual, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Because those islands were designed to be respite for the animals in the pond. If they can swim in and out, they can’t rest on dry land away from predators, which is the object.
Oh how sad.
I thought the ring thing would just not amount to much by the time everyone set up a safety structure
Also have to say it feels good, or something, seeing PCC(E) taking the initiative- I love that.
Wash up good though right after – bacteria can be devious – it can happen…. I said to the botfly survivor….
You’re one of the good guys, Jerry. Bless your heart!
Sweet baby Jesus! Yes!
No waders to be had anywhere in the dept, from any of the Eco folks?
Nope.
That was inspiring. I love landscaping and now you’ve shown a good example of how to modify our human habitats with a touch of evolutionary help.
You’re a good man Charlie Brown.
Just FYI – the link to the previous (Templeton) page doesn’t work. Just brings up a ‘Not found’ page. (Same with the routine link via email)
cr
See my newest post this morning.
…and they say atheists have no purpose in life. Ha!
+ 1
So heartwarming! 🙂
Tikkun Olam.
Amazing that Physical Plant lets you do all this stuff and even is helping out.
Thank you for helping those little guys!