8553 Pettis Road, Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335
Mallard Ducks:
Sometimes ducklings fall between sewer or drainage grates as they are being led by the mother. The mallard adult will usually stay nearby because she is hearing the call of the ducklings. Call for help as soon as possible.
Once all ducklings have been rescued from this situation, they must be released together to be reunited with the mother
Waterfowl:
Waterfowl have defenses that may be harmful to people. Please do not try to capture these yourselves. Call WIN Emergency Response
- Great blue herons and other cranes have extremely sharp beaks and powerful ability to strike and stab. They can cause injury, and could be fatal if not handled properly. One must be experienced to capture these type of animals.
- Swans and geese use their wings to defend themselves, their mate and young. Swans have been known to knock down a large man, and beating on the man until several people came to the man’s rescue. When approaching a swan from a kayak, the kayaker may be knocked into the water.
- Loons and grebes have beaks that are serrated and pointed. A loon will lurch and bite, causing a slice or cut similar to being cut by a knife.
Incidences with Waterfowl:
- Fishing line entanglement and being hit by cars are most common reason waterfowl are injured or incapacitated.
- Grebes and loons often times land on wet pavement, mistaking it for a body of water. They cannot fly from land.
- Waterfowl stranded in a chimney. Do not light a fire.
Call WIN Emergency Response of PA. as soon as possible. Have someone stay within sight of the animal to ensure it can be rescued and contained quickly.
Wood Ducks:
When wood ducklings are interfered with, or trapped in a window well or have fallen through a storm grate, the mother ducking will fly away, sometimes returning when no one is visible to her. Call for help as soon as possible.
Once the young are rescued, they must be released together. The mother duck will wait till it is safe, then she will call the ducklings to her.
If a duckling is found by itself, sitting or left stranded in water (garden pond), and if known where the mother has taken the young, the flock can usually be found. Once they are located the lone duck can reintroduce. Do not stay to watch. Mother will not call until everyone is out of sight.
If the location of the mother and ducklings is not able to be found, call a rehabilitation center as soon as possible to have the duckling rehabilitated.