While Hanover’s internet-famous bald eagle nest may be its most notable bird nest, another Hanover bird nest has drawn some attention of its own.
At Hanover Borough’s Union Park, located on West Hanover Street, a mother duck has recently built her nest underneath the small merry-go-round in the playground.
Park staff announced that they temporarily fenced off the merry-go-round in order to avoid disturbing the duck and her nest.
“Well, mama duck has decided that the mulch under the merry-go-round is a perfectly comfy place to nest,” the department said in a social media post.
“Please give her space and avoid disturbing the area,” park staff added.
According to the post, the fencing will be removed from the merry-go-round once the mother duck has “finished her springtime duties.”
While the merry-go-round may be fenced off with safety netting and caution tape, the rest of the playground remains open.
“Thank you for helping us keep our feathered friend safe,” the post concluded.
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While the playground may seem like an odd spot for an aquatic bird, Union Park features a small tributary of Plum Creek.
According to a wildlife note from the Pa. Game Commission, mallard ducks usually lay roughly eight to 12 eggs, and incubation of those eggs typically takes around 23 to 29 days.
Within 12 hours of her eggs hatching, the mother duck will then lead her hatchlings to the nearest water, the wildlife note explained.
