Grateful that ruddy duck was rescued

I read the Dec. 5 story of about the ruddy duck that was at the Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve since last spring and then rescued by an observant ranger and Chicago Bird Collision Monitors.

Many of us watched this special duck since spring and even another ranger wondered why this duck stayed at the Grove and didn't continue migrating south. Could it be that his wing was broken at that time and he had to stay at the Grove? From spring time on, none of us at the Grove had seen at anytime this special duck flying. He was afraid of people getting too close to him and stayed a distance from the shoreline and many times was seen in the company of a mallard duck who seemed to be watching over him.

If one had noticed him there in the spring, they did not check further to follow up and see if he was flying or not. That would then mean that he was possibly in the water from spring until early December with a broken wing.

I as well as others who frequent Wood Dale Grove are very grateful this ruddy duck was rescued or he would have froze along with the pond. We just hope it's not too late for him, his wing can be repaired, and he will not be euthanized.

Joyce Tucker

Addison