I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the concerned group of people who last Friday helped to save a family of 10.
As I was going to my car that day after having lunch in Prospect at Durty Reids, I noticed a pair of whistling ducks and their clutch of eight ducklings on the seaside edge of the main road.
The babies were all of two days old and mom and dad were contemplating a suicide mission to cross over to the wetlands across the street. A friend and member of the DoA was still inside enjoying lunch and when asked, helped me to usher the group back into the bush on the seaside, but they were determined to cross.
Another vigilant friend took turns with me to keep them in the bush until the proper groups could help the family navigate the street safely. I contacted the Department Of Environment, which arrived promptly with special gear to complete the operation.
It in turn contacted the RCIP Traffic Department, which also responded promptly. Just as I was entering the bush to flush the family back out, they reappeared at the side of the road.
With the officer halting traffic, four of us were able to negotiate the family speedily and safely to the other side of the road; no casualties and only one baby stumbled but mom was able to handle the situation.
The family scrambled into the marsh and was last seen headed north.
When I looked up into the mass of traffic, there were at least three or four school buses loaded with students. It was nice to have them witness what good deeds can be accomplished with the right group of people.
People that watched on the sidelines asked if we had pictures. There was no time for anything but the rescue mission.
Whistling ducks, blue iguanas and land crabs are part of our national heritage in Cayman and all efforts should be taken to protect them. Our population has encroached on their family land and their future is in our hands. It’s sometimes difficult to make the right decision when you see a potential disaster on the roadside, but follow your heart and use your head.
If something looks beyond your control at the moment, call someone you trust to help you assess the situation. In this case, it was finding the right people for the job and all were happy in the end.
The ducks safely made it to their new home and at least 10 people went home feeling a strong sense of pride for a job well done.
A big thank you again to everyone who helped.
By the way, I’ve seen mom and dad do daily fly overs, so I’m pretty sure all is still well.
Kathleen Bodden-Harris
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