Eh? Duck and ducklings captured, released

Duck and ducklings captured, released

The hen mallard that made her nest in the former KDLH-TV parking lot in downtown Duluth has been safely relocated along with her newly hatched ducklings.

The hen was scooped up in a net Friday without fanfare and the nine ducklings quickly captured. The duck family was transported in a small pet cage and all appeared to be fine, though the hen sounded a bit angry at her captors.

The ducklings, apparently the result of the hen’s second attempt to nest and nearly two months behind most hatchlings, were released later Friday and are doing well, said Carrie Lane, head of the city’s Animal Control unit.

Wildlife officials generally urge people to leave wild animals wherever they are found, including ducks and ducklings on urban nests. But because of this mallard’s precarious nesting spot just off Superior Street, Animal Control decided to step in to spare them the hazardous trip across busy streets to water.

Kung Fu Pandas for young fire victims

What does the Red Cross do when a fire drives a young family from their home?

In the case of the Lincoln Park duplex unit that had a small fire Thursday, the Red Cross provided temporary housing, groceries and, for the two young children, “cozy new Kung Fu Panda sleeping bags,” the agency said.

The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross says it helps about 100 local families a year. You can help by directing donations to the Northland Chapter at 2524 Maple Grove Road, Duluth, MN 55811 or donating online at www.redcrossnorthland.org.

Christmas shopping tip

There’s got to be somebody on your list who’d like a big old rivet from Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, right?

You can get one for $12 at Duluth gift shops, but there are only so many available. These are rivets that were removed during last year’s restoration work, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity, so your recipient can turn around and sell it with confidence.

Find them at Lizzard’s Art Gallery, the Vista Fleet Gift Shop, Grandma’s Restaurant Gift Shop, Lake Superior Maritime Marine Museum Gift Shop, William A. Irvin Gift Shop, Northern Lights Books and Gifts, and the Blue Lake Gallery.

Weekend project

Do you have recipes for some “must-have” dishes that take 60 minutes or less to make from start to finish?

Send your recipes and contact information to cookbook@duluthnews.com for your chance to be featured in the Duluth News Tribune’s special cookbook section coming this fall. Prizes will be awarded to our top finalists.

Don’t have e-mail? Drop off your recipes at Johnson Mertz Appliance, 4258 Haines Road, Duluth, MN 55811. Deadline: Friday, Aug. 20.

We welcome your submissions and suggestions. Drop us a line at Eh?, Duluth News Tribune newsroom, 424 W. First St., Duluth, MN 55802, or news@duluthnews.com.

Tags: news, eh, animals, charity, fire, shopping, food