mallards homing instincts?

[rainplace]

Quote:
It took time and strategy! The first time we found one of them, she flew off before I could grab her. When we found the second one a couple hours later I worked out a plan with my kids. A couple of curious/fascinated neighbors also pitched in.

I sat down and "quacked" to her for a few minutes to calm her. Then my two kids and the neighbors took turns taking a couple slow steps closer to her so she kept inching closer to me. As soon as she was close enough I grabbed her. She flapped like crazy at first but as soon as I pulled her in close to me and talked to her she calmed down and let me carry her home.

The second one was a little easier - we used a bowl of peas!

I've held and carried all my ducks since day one. They've figured out that whenever I carry them, it's usually for something "good" (with the exception of "cuddle and kisses" time! - that's only "good" for ME!) so they begrudgingly allow me to pick them up - after the proper amount of initial protest of course!

Very good strategy! I'm so happy for you

 

[duckface]

Yay! I'm glad this ended happily! We have four mallards, two of which are going to new homes this weekend. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to catch them.

They'll come close for food or when the pool gets refilled, but they're always quick to fly off when a move is made toward them.

 

[Kimmyh51]

Maybe a wing clipping is in order so they can’t take off like that again?