After weeks of wondering what will happen to the ducks at Willow Dale duck pond, the community can worry no more.

The ducks have been relocated for the remainder of the winter.

“There have been several unsuccessful attempts to safely cage and transport the Willow Dale ducks, but on Friday, we Concerned Citizens (CC) were finally successful,” stated Beverly Sherman. “After learning from the first few attempts, my husband, Duane, and Dave Cibula figured out what they needed in order to ‘capture’ the ducks — fencing, chest waders and crates.”

When the pond water was more open, “herding” the ducks wasn’t an option, Sherman noted. But with frigid temperatures the past few days, the pond was nearly covered with ice, putting the ducks in a very small area near the spillway so they could be herded.

“I reached out to those I knew were willing to help, and everyone was more than accommodating,” Sherman continued. “A friend provided three pairs of chest waders and long pole nets (just in case), and another CC provided the two large dog crates. Duane and I had the fencing.”

Upon arrival at the pond, Duane and Cibula got to work putting up the fence and chopping the ice closest to shore, clearing it away so the ducks could swim through open water to the bank, Sherman described.

“It was obvious they were hungry because they kept an eye on us the whole time, and as soon as Dave began to throw the corn, they came to our narrowed area,” she explained. “I held lightweight archery netting and once they were in the small fenced area, it was pulled across the opening. The ducks were intent on sticking together as a group, so once in the area, they all followed each other into the dog crate. Although there were two large crates set up, they went into one and we made sure they were safe for transport, and then off we went.”

Sherman and the CCs involved took the dozen ducks to Willow Creek, leaving them in the care of a Bradford local — a man named Ken — who will house, feed and water them until spring.

“We’re aware that these ducks are hardy and can withstand the very cold temperatures typical of Bradford,” Sherman explained. “However, because they cannot fly, that is what makes them most susceptible to danger. They need either constant open water or a safe, protected shelter to go in/out of and, of course, consistent feeding.”

Now, the ducks have both.

Sherman explained the task was completed with the efforts of many people, including Cibula — who “has been regularly taking care of the ducks with feed, and he followed this through until its resolution” — as well as number of people “who reached out to me by social media, phone calls, etc. with their wide array of ideas. It really shows how close-knit and caring this community truly is.” She was also grateful for the aid of her husband, “who, up until four weeks ago, had no idea what the Willow Dale duck pond was. Ultimately, one thing led to another, and we accomplished what we set out to do — save these ducks.”