Quacks in the sidewalk entertain U.S. capital
CBC News
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secret Service agents are carefully guarding a brown mallard that has laid nine eggs in a mulch pile in front of the Treasury Department building in the U.S. capital.
The duck and her eggs have become a tourist attraction on Pennsylvania Avenue in the past week, drawing small crowds of visitors night and day.
Mallard nests on a mulch pile near the main entrance to the Department of the Treasury on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington Friday. (AP photo)
The nest is nestled in bark and twigs surrounding a small tree that was recently planted in the middle of the busy sidewalk.
To protect the nest, intelligence agents have erected metal barriers around the mulch pile, adding a sign asking duck-lovers to be quiet to keep the mallard from being disturbed in her maternal duties.
The Secret Service's uniformed division has also provided a water dish so that the duck doesn't have to leave her nest to quench her thirst.
Treasury Secretary John Snow was one of those who dropped by to see the nest, spokesperson Rob Nichols confirmed late last week.
Duck tourist attraction on Pennsylvania Ave.
"He had been briefed on the duck and he stopped to pay a visit," said Nichols.
Department staff have been vying to name the new mascot, with suggested names including "Quacks Reform," "T-Bill," and "Duck Cheney."
The eggs will likely hatch near the end of the month, and the family will then be relocated to a wetter and safer location.
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That's adorable!
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