This winter, Le Nichoir’s team has been busily caring for the five oiled Mallards. Oiling occurs when aquatic birds land in oily water coating their feathers in oil and preventing them from flying. In mid-February, five weeks, many washings, and regular medical care after they were brought in, three of the Mallards were released. The remaining two will be released in March. Overall, a success instead of what could have been a tragedy.