Like the swallows returning to Capistrano each year, the ducks are back to visit St. Mary’s Villa residents and nestle in for a spring nesting.
Each year a mama mallard nests in the courtyard of the Villa, providing a close-up glimpse of her family. This year, a brood of 10 baby ducks arrived. They were all caught and released into a local pond, says Jessica Sanden, clinical manager at the Villa. She says the return has been going on for about 20 years. Every year a mama Duck flies into the inner courtyard at the Villa and lays her eggs. Once hatched there is no way for the babies to get out and no water source, so they have to be caught and released.
Villa electrician Dayton Klashinsky graciously comes and catches the birds, and last year he built a beautiful cage that would safely catch and transport them. This cage is a great way for the residents to have a close up look of mama and her 10 babies, says Sanden.
This year, Dayton’s children helped out, getting a close-up brush with waterfowl and nature. Sanden says she spotted mama and babies paddling around the pond.
“This is such a fun event for the residents and staff every year,” says Sanden, who hopes for the annual return to continue.