Avondale Estates Duck Lovers Worry Fireworks Will Frighten Fowl

A group of Avondale Estates residents wants to make sure ducks living around Lake Avondale aren't disoriented and traumatized by the boom and glare of July Fourth fireworks.

Chele Anderson guessed 50 to 100 ducks live at the lake. She's motivated by having seen "these precious creatures freak out" at previous fireworks displays.

"When the fireworks go off they get frightened, parents and juveniles, and they get separated," Anderson said. "The adults realize, where are my babies, and you can observe the adults muster the courage to head back down to the lake to look for the family."

The plan is to lure the ducks from the wooded south end of the lake, where the fireworks are shot off, to the north end where the clubhouse and the gazebo are located.

An hour before the fireworks are launched, the fireworks contractor will set off intermittent blasts to move the ducks away, Anderson said. These will make noise but not light up the sky.

Five volunteers will sprinkle cracked corn, the ducks' favorite treat, on the east and west banks of the lake to lead them northward.

Residents are asked to help out by not feeding the ducks July 4. That way they'll have an appetite for treats.