My life and death hike through busy Melbourne to help a duck march her eight babies to water | Debbie Lustig

For three hours I fend off traffic and protect the ducklings like a crazy lollipop lady with a fishing net. I'm exhausted but as determined as that mother duckPacific black ducks are common in Melbourne parks. They're beautiful birds with chocolate plumage and brown heads bisected by toffee-coloured stripes. But last weekend, I had no time to appreciate their looks when I heard quacking coming from outside my flat.It was a Pacific black duck with eight ducklings. Half a dozen people herded them around the garden, taking photos with their phones. I called rescue group Wildlife Victoria and their advice nearly floored me. Continue reading...