As you’ve transitioned classes or taken a bathroom break you may have noticed cute ducklings running around the courtyard. For a while our adorable neighbors were fun to observe from a distance. We took pictures of the ducks and admired the thoughtful signs put up on the windows about respecting our ducks. We gathered information peering through the windows in the Guidance Office which overlooks the courtyard, looking for some answers. Eventually curiosity took over, and we decided to investigate more closely.
We emailed Waltham High School Head Custodian Mr. Biddy to learn more about our resident ducks.
How long have the ducks been coming?
“The ducks have been coming to the high school courtyard for over 30 years (by the end of April or early May to lay their eggs).”
How did they get here?
Each year, the mother duck flies into the courtyard to lay her eggs. “The mother duck always returns to the courtyard because she feels [its] safe for her and her ducklings.”
How are they fed?
Mr. Biddy and Mr. Mantey feed the ducks crack corn daily.
Does growing up in our courtyard affect their relationship with the outside world (other animals, humans, etc)?
The two custodians make a makeshift pond area for the ducks to swim and drink from. This allows the ducklings to learn how to swim. Eventually the mother duck teaches her ducklings how to fly and when they’re ready, she’ll fly them out one by one usually by the end of June.
Mr. Biddy and Mr. Mantey have taken on a huge role and many responsibilities in helping keep the mother duck feel welcomed back every year. She has chosen for this to be the place were she lays her eggs annually. These ducks have been a staple in Waltham High School’s community including students, teachers, and staff every single year. Watching these ducks grow up is an adorable memory all of WHS gets to experience at the end of every school year. And this year, with our move to the new high school building, this year will be farewell.
