Near disaster for the ducklings in the harbour on Wednesday evening. A boat had sunk in the harbour causing severe pollution. A film of Diesel oil covered the water and the mother duck and her ducklings were being contaminated as they swam through the pollution. I was expecting the Harbour to be polluted for days, and feared the loss of the brood I have been nurturing for the past 2 weeks.
Incredibly, a strong gale force wind blew up during Wednesday night from the north west, and blew the surface oil film through the harbour entrance and away into the fast flowing river.
Thursday morning revealed an almost clear harbour and all 6 ducklings with their Mum.
Two of the ducklings were showing signs of poisoning along with their Mum, and did not show much interest in eating, no doubt having ingested some oil.
By Thursday evening they were recovering and started eating again. Today- Friday, they were all back to normal and fully recovered.
This was a classic case of a bitterly cold ill wind blowing some good ! The weather is still bitter, and today we had heavy hail showers.
The Trust 3 daily meals for the ducklings is proving to be a life saver, along with the care of the mother duck!
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