Long-Tailed Duck Crash Lands On Asphalt

The following story about a long-tailed duck was shared with us by the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Center in Pennsylvania.

An arctic visitor arrived recently for treatment at the Wildlife Center! This striking male long-tailed duck migrated to Pennsylvania all the way from as far as Greenland to spend the winter in milder temperatures.

This bird was found by a member of the public after it mistook wet, slick asphalt for a lake and made a crash landing. These birds are so specialized for diving and swimming that their legs are actually on the sides of their bodies. They are mostly unable to walk on land, thus leaving them stranded.

The lucky duck was brought in, and provided treatment for head trauma and dehydration. During this process, he was gavage-fed EmerAid IC Piscivore until he was stable enough to hunt fish on his own. Once the water-resistant covering on his feathers was fixed and his injuries fully treated, this amazing bird was returned to the wild where he will begin his journey back to the arctic soon for breeding season.