While hanging out at the duck pond for some waterfowl meditation, I was accosted by two women students who came to the pond. One was holding a newborn duckling (not necessarily a mallard) that had been found outside a Starbucks two blocks away. The duckling was following some people, and had obviously lost its brood.
The students, who apparently knew who “Jerry” was, and that he had something to do with rescuing ducks, needed help, and who am I to refuse? “If you save one life, it is as if you saved the world.” A quick call to Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, and we drove the poor thing a few blocks to a rehab expert, who will have it sent tomorrow to Willowbrook Wildlife Rescue Center, which rescues native wildlife.
Here’s a member of Team Duck holding the baby before we drove it to the rehab lady:
And a close-up. I’m not 100% sure it will make it, but I’m 100% sure that if we didn’t have it rehabbed, it wouldn’t have made it.
Now, what species is this? A friend says it’s definitely not a mallard, but may be a wood duck.
Here’s a photo of wood ducklings from the Endless Wonder blog (photo by Duke Coonrad). It does look like a woody:
And here’s Honey, who’s still around. The drakes seem to have been leaving her alone, so he’s able to spend time with her four “babies”. Unfortunately, their time apart has made her a bit diffident, so she snaps at them from time to time. She may just be old and grouchy.
Awww…still the hero!
That baby is a real sweetie. Fingers crossed for it, and for all of them…
How adorable! Wonderful job Jerry.
I hope that the little one pulls through. And it’s good to hear that things are quieter for Honey at Botany Pond.
You can take the boy out of the shul, but you can’t take the Talmud outta the boy.
Well said, Ken! It seems that the reputation of Botany Pond disperses into the Hyde Park zeitgeist. I am glad that you can have some quiet and meditation at the Pond, Jerry.
Team Duck!
That last picture really makes Honey look like what I imagine when I think of a “mother goose,” even though she’s a duck.
“Awesome'” applies to you and Duck Team, PCC(E)!
Please let us know how things develop.
Good on you mate! This story made my day. Indeed “save the world with one soul”.
And it is hilarious you’re now locally famous as The Duck Guy. Keep up the good work.
D.A.
NYC
How adorable, Jerry. They’re lucky in you.