Make Way for Ducklings

For at least ten years now, a duck has made her nest in the inner courtyard of Glover Elementary School in Milton, Massachusetts. When the ducklings hatch, the students eagerly watch for her to decide that it’s time to lead them to water, which means they must pass through the building to get outside. This year's event was captured on video. The mother duck led her ducklings to the nearby pond last Wednesday.

More than 500 students sat cross-legged in the hallway and on the playground for the annual duck walk. Many of their faces lit up when the mother and her 10 newly hatched ducklings waddled by. The entire episode was documented on video.

Principal Sheila Kukstis said in an interview that the walk is a tradition for the elder duck, as well.

“The mother knows where she’s going because she’s done it before,” she said.

The kindergarten-through-fifth-grade students monitor the family through the spring and summer. (via Atlas Obscura)