Four Del. ducklings released into wild after rescue

Four mallard ducklings have been returned to the wild after dropping two months ago through a storm sewer grate.

The ducks crossed a busy highway one morning in June and fell through a grate near Prices Corner. They were rescued, uninjured, by firefighters.

Now the News Journal of Wilmington reports that the tiny birds were returned to the wild late last month after weeks of specialized care by experts.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc., whose experts cared for the ducklings, announced their safe release Thursday. Executive director Lisa Smith says it’s not uncommon for ducklings to fall into a storm drain while crossing the road.