RAVENSWOOD MANOR — A real-life version of "Make Way for Ducklings" played out in Ravenswood Manor Wednesday, with neighbors safely escorting a momma mallard and her offspring along Wilson Avenue to the Chicago River.
Check out the too-cute-for-words video, posted to Facebook.
The ducklings hatched in the 2800 block of West Wilson Avenue and homeowner Alan Robinson put out a call for help getting the family to the river.
The community has been on the alert all spring, ever since a group of ducklings were rescued back in May after falling through a sewer grate on their journey to the river.
This trek can be the most dangerous moment in a duckling's life — even more hazardous than their first jump to the ground from a high nest, according to experts.
The baby birds are so light and covered in down, the fall will barely phase them, but a walk along urban streets is fraught with peril.
Not to question the maternal instincts of Momma Mallard, but why not just nest next to the river to begin with?
According to the Audubon Society, it's not uncommon for ducks to build their nests as far as a mile away from water in order to steer clear of predators.
Within a day of hatching, ducklings are then led by their mother to the nearest waterway.
Although it's tempting to try to rescue ducklings as they attempt to cross busy streets, the mother should be allowed to care for her own young, the Audubon Society advises.
Interference can spook the mother and cause her to abandon her brood. Better, experts say, to keep a watchful eye on the ducklings from a distance and step in only when needed to shepherd the fowl across a trouble spot.
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