Mallard ducklings will have an easier time getting to dry land around Victoria Harbour this spring.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has installed six sloped duckling ramps at four marinas. A ramp at the Wharf Street marina was officially opened on Tuesday.
“Each spring, several mallard ducklings make their way with their parents to the Inner Harbour. Once in the water, they sometimes struggle to find a space to get out,” the authority said in a statement.
A local resident had urged last year that ramps be installed for the ducklings.
The harbour authority worked with the City of Victoria, B.C. SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre and the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary to build and install the ramps.
Other bird-related projects are underway.
Harbour authority staff installed nesting boxes on the north side of the Ogden Point breakwater to attract pigeon guillemots, a dark-coloured shorebird with white markings.
The boxes were knocked down when the Sir John Franklin, the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest science vessel, rammed into the breakwater in late March.
The boxes will likely be up again within the next two weeks, said Brian Cant, harbour authority spokesman.
