Make way for ducklings
May 30, 2007 – 1:07 am
Disclaimer: This is a true story. It is not made up. As in real life, portions of this story may be disturbing and bothersome. As is not the case with real life, you have the option of scrolling to the bottom and sneaking a peek to discover that yes, it does turn out alright in the end. And don’t worry, no ducklings, ducks, semi trucks, or BMWs were harmed in the making of this post. Promise.
We were driving south on I5 to visit my parents for the 3-day weekend. Blissfully flying along at 70mph, singing “Alouette” at the top of our lungs WHEN… suddenly from out of nowhere, a mother duck is crossing the road in front of us, her 8 tiny ducklings marching in an uneven line behind her.
Our lives flashed before our eyes. Well, not really, but it does give you a very sick feeling to know that you are very likely about to squash a happy fluffy family of ducks. Even if it’s not your fault.
Fortunately, this time the fates were on our side (and on the side of the ducks) and the lane next to us was empty. My husband, hero that he is, swerved aside to narrowly miss the waddling wee ones. Whew!
We then watched in HORROR as the semi truck behind us barrelled towards the unsuspecting family. There would be no swerving for this truck. Somehow, the mother duck sensed the danger and spun around, abandoning her route, with the tiny ducklings just behind. And so they narrowly escaped a certain gory fate.
The moral?
Well obviously, if you’re a mother duck, don’t take your baby ducklings across a major freeway in Memorial Day weekend traffic. Trust me, the grass may be greener over there, but it’s really not worth the risk.
Well obviously, if you’re a mother duck, don’t take your baby ducklings across a major freeway in Memorial Day weekend traffic. Trust me, the grass may be greener over there, but it’s really not worth the risk.
***
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By www.nolanotes.com on May 30, 2007 | Reply
I am so glad this had a happy ending. Yipes!
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By thethinker on May 30, 2007 | Reply
I was afraid for the ducklings for a second there.
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By Brillig on May 30, 2007 | Reply
Awww, little duckies! I’m so glad that they weren’t smooshed. What a good mommy duck!
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By Queen Heather on May 30, 2007 | Reply
Oh yay for happy endings!
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By shaz on May 30, 2007 | Reply
oh my! lucky ducks! :)
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By moodswingingmommy on May 30, 2007 | Reply
Thank goodness. I had a sick feeling for a minute there!
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By Mitch McDad on May 30, 2007 | Reply
Just happened by your blog. What an intro. My faith in humanity is restored. Long live the duck family. :)
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By Lene on May 30, 2007 | Reply
YEA for the ducks! I hate watching things like that happen.
We have little birds here (not sure what kind they are) that cross the roads with their babes in tow…following just like the ducks. Lucky for them , our speed limit is only 25 miles per hour so everyone stops and lets them cross the road.
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By Shauna on May 30, 2007 | Reply
You had me worried there! Nicholas loves that book, if you had an, uh, alternate ending, I’m not sure if I could read it to him again!
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By tulipmom on May 31, 2007 | Reply
Phew. You had me holding my breath there for a minute.
Sweet Boy loves that book, Boston’s Public Garden, and especially the Duck Boats.
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