The Penn Stater Magazine

Ducks? Oh Yes, We Have Ducks.

May 7, 2009 at 1:56 pm Tina Hay 1 comment

One of three sets of ducklings on the pond outside the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Click to see it bigger.

Last week we noticed that one of the resident ducks on the Alumni Center pond had had babies—we counted at least 11 ducklings. Then yesterday I noticed that we have not one, but three families of ducklings on the pond. Between those guys and about a half-dozen apparently unattached male ducks, it’s getting a little crowded out there.

Today on my way back to the building after lunch, I saw a lot of people taking pictures of the ducks—I counted at least six different people with cameras. I asked if it was part of some sort of class, but no, it was just a lot of people who were attracted by the ducklings. And who can blame them? The ducklings are very cute.

As it happens, I had my camera with me, too. Hence the photo you see here.

By the way, if you happen to visit the alumni gardens to check out the ducks—and the turtles, and the beautiful landscaping—we’d all really appreciate it if you wouldn’t feed the ducks or the ducklings. It’s a bad idea for a lot of reasons, I’m told. And the new baby ducks especially need a lot better nutrition than the bread and crackers most people tend to offer.

But with that caveat in mind, come see our ducks!

Tina Hay, editor

Entry filed under: Alumni Association, Hintz Family Alumni Center, University Park campus. Tags: alumni gardens, ducklings, feeding ducks, mallard ducks, turtles.