A mama duck and her 13 ducklings were led from the Hampton Elementary school courtyard outside to the marsh. (Image: Sarah Blanchard)
Students at Hampton Elementary School were able to see the successful relocation of a duck family.
Principal Sarah Blanchard said ducks have been nesting in the school’s courtyard for five years and students have been able to watch them.
“There is a window that looks into the courtyard as the exact spot just outside where the mama duck nests. She chooses almost the same spot every year,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard said the students check on the duck every day excited to see the progress.
During the duck parade Monday morning, Blanchard said they asked the kids to be as quiet as possible so the ducks wouldn’t be startled.
A blue netting was used to guide mama duck and her nine ducklings out of the school toward the water in the Hampton Marsh.
The duck family needs an annual escort from the school since the ducklings haven’t learned how to fly.
Without students last year, Blanchard said crows attacked the nest, but when the kids are present the crows are afraid of them.
Our dear momma duck has returned to our courtyard! Let’s just say it’s an exciting morning 🙂 🦆 🐥 🐣🐥 pic.twitter.com/tyIAoLWIFw
— Hampton Elementary (@hamptonelem) April 16, 2021
Our new speed police 😉 a reminder School Street (from the top of the hill all the way past HES and DATL) is 20km/hr! Please slow down! pic.twitter.com/I1xGd2LJ7Y
— Hampton Elementary (@hamptonelem) April 26, 2021
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