Rescue of ducks nothing short of miraculous | Letters | July 8
July 7, 2011 · 3:35 PM
After seeing my dentist on Tuesday, I was walking near Winslow Green when I heard a freakishly, high-pitched beeping sound. I looked down and saw a big momma duck with seven ducklings in tow. I guessed they were “imprinting” because every turn she took, they followed with precision.
Because the pitch of her squeals signaled “help,” I knelt down to see if something was threatening them and heard more little peeps creeping up from a grate of a sewage drain on Winslow Way. Three chicks had fallen into it and were trying to get out.
Instinctually, I called West Sound Wildlife Shelter, which sent Mike Pratt to the rescue. Lots of helpers came around to support — little kids, a few teenagers, some tourists and even one woman who seemed to come out of nowhere with a net to help make the rescue a success.
We all helped. Mike let me use a ladle to scoop up the last mud-soaked chick while the kids held my ankles so I wouldn’t fall into the drain.
After each chick was returned to the cat box where they were safe and sound, I asked the kids their names (Stella, Ella and Jake) and we all agreed those would be perfect names for the three rescued chicks.
Jennifer Manlowe
Bainbridge island
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