Duck And 6 Ducklings Leave Home Depot Home In Maine

BANGOR, Maine (AP) - A mallard duck that laid its eggs inside the garden center of a Home Depot store in Bangor has flown the coop.

The duck showed up last month, but the bird and her six ducklings were gone Saturday morning.

Assistant manager Larry Crooker tells the Bangor Daily News that one egg was left in the nest, and it was cold.

As many as 20 people day a day were visiting the store just to see the ducks after the paper published a photograph of the nest surrounded by hostas, impatiens and potting mix.

The nest was protected by strips of yellow warning tape and a sign that read, "Please do not disturb the duck."

The mother duck earned several nicknames during her stay, including Paulette, Rosie and Daffy.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)