Ducks and Geese in Distress

If you find a duckling or gosling alone, search for a nearby adult and try to safely reunite them. If you find multiple ducklings or goslings, contain them by placing them under a laundry basket. Wait to see if the female returns. If she does not return, contact one of the rehabilitators listed below.

What else can you do? Listed below are volunteers who are authorized to care for sick, injured, or orphaned ducks and geese with the intent of returning them back to the wild. Ducks and geese are protected by federal and state law and special permits are needed to handle these birds. 

Persons authorized to handle and care for ducks and geese

Waterford

• Waterford Country School
• Ben Turner/Tina Cote
• 860-442-9454; dial ext 4270 or 4290
• bturner@waterfordcs.org or tcote@waterfordcs.org
• Adult birds, migratory birds, mammals, and reptiles
• NO baby birds

Return to Dealing with Distressed Wildlife

Content last updated on September 29, 2026.