Marsa’s Duck Dilemma: Council Appeals for Rehoming
Quacking Concern: Marsa Council’s Unusual Appeal
Picture this: the usually bustling Triq il-Mediterran in Marsa, now eerily quiet, save for the occasional quack echoing through the empty streets. The reason? A sudden and alarming decline in the local duck population, prompting Marsa Local Council to issue an unusual appeal – they’re asking residents to rehome the remaining feathered friends.
From Park Puddles to Empty Nesting Grounds
Marsa’s parks and open spaces, once teeming with ducks, now bear witness to an unsettling silence. The once picturesque scene of ducks waddling along the shores of the Marsa Sports Club’s lake, or quacking in unison at the Is-Sewwa Gardens, has been replaced by an eerie calm. The sudden decline has left the council, and residents alike, scratching their heads.
“We’ve noticed a significant drop in the duck population over the past few months,” says Marsa Mayor, Dr. Alexia Pace. “We’re not sure what’s causing this, but we’re concerned. That’s why we’re appealing to our residents to help us rehome the remaining ducks.”
Rehoming: A Herculean Task
Rehoming ducks, it turns out, is no easy task. The council has reached out to local wildlife rescue organizations, but finding suitable homes for the ducks is proving challenging. “Ducks need a lot of space and a specific type of environment,” explains Dr. Mark Sultana from BirdLife Malta. “They’re not like cats or dogs that you can just take in. They need a large body of water, plenty of greenery, and a safe, secure space.”
The council is urging residents with suitable spaces, such as large gardens or farmland, to step forward. “We’re not asking for much,” says Mayor Pace. “Just a safe space where these ducks can live out the rest of their days peacefully.”
Uncovering the Mystery
While the council works on rehoming the remaining ducks, they’re also trying to understand what caused the sudden decline. They’ve enlisted the help of local environmental groups and are appealing to residents for any information that might help solve the mystery.
“We’re not ruling anything out at this stage,” says Dr. Pace. “It could be anything from a change in their food source to a sudden increase in predators. Whatever it is, we need to find out and address it.”
In the meantime, the council is asking residents to keep an eye on the remaining ducks. “If you see any ducks in distress, please let us know,” says Dr. Pace. “We want to ensure the safety and well-being of these birds until we can find them suitable homes.”
