What to do if you see ducklings (with or without their mother)
Ducklings are adorable, but they can often be found in unusual or seemingly unsafe places. Here’s what you need to know to ensure their safety while avoiding unnecessary intervention:
Ducklings with their mother
- It’s Normal Behaviour: It may seem odd to see a mother duck leading her ducklings through housing estates or across busy roads, but this is perfectly natural. Ducks often nest miles away from water, and the mother guides her ducklings back to a safe habitat after they hatch.
- Avoid Intervening: If you try to help, the mother may fly off, leaving her ducklings behind. The ducklings can then scatter, making the situation more dangerous.
- Observe from a Distance: As long as the mother is present, give them space and let nature take its course.
Ducklings without their mother
- Monitor the Situation: If the mother is out of sight, observe from a distance to see if she returns. Ducks sometimes leave temporarily but come back to their ducklings.
- Call for Help: If the mother does not return, contact the USPCA on 028 3025 1000 for guidance and assistance.
If they are in immediate danger (e.g. on a busy road), contact the authorities
If you see ducklings or a mother duck leading her young across a main road, call the PSNI on 101 to report the potential hazard. They can assist in ensuring the safety of the ducks and prevent disruption to traffic.