A Quack-tastic Community Effort: How Volunteers Are Saving the Ducks of Thirsk!

In the picturesque town of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, a flock of mallards have unwittingly sparked a heartwarming trend of community care. These ducks, choosing to roost in a local parking lot rather than along the riverbank, have enlisted the help of dedicated volunteers, dubbed ‘duck wardens’. Every evening around 8:30 PM, 15 citizens rotate shifts to escort these feathered friends on a safe pilgrimage from The Cod Beck river to their cozy, cobblestone sleeping spot. It seems these quackers know how to pick the most sought-after nightlife in town!

The story took flight after a few unfortunate incidents where ducks were hit while crossing busy roads. Local resident Jodie Wood took action by creating a Facebook group that quickly grew into a full-fledged volunteer effort. It’s a charming sight — the volunteers, complete with traffic cones to mark the ducks’ resting area, huddle together over cups of tea while watching over the wonderful waddlers. What could be more delightful than watching a bunch of ducks settle in for the night, knowing you played a part in their journey?

As adorable as this all sounds, it raises the question: how much community spirit can a group of ducks inspire? While the reasons for the ducks’ unique nighttime migration remain a bit of a mystery—are they looking for warmth, safety, or simply a change of scenery?—their antics are definitely bringing the townsfolk together in a whirlwind of kindness and companionship. There’s something about a nightly duck patrol that might just restore your faith in humanity. So, would you ever volunteer to keep the local wildlife safe? Share your thoughts!

About the Author

View All Posts