Dead ducks found near the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool and Constitution Gardens on the National Mall have raised concerns about the impact of recent renovation work on local wildlife. The Reflecting Pool underwent a $14 million-plus refurbishment earlier this month, with a fresh layer of blue paint applied to its bottom. Shortly after reopening, visitors enjoyed sightings of ducks and ducklings, but over the weekend, several dead waterfowl were discovered in the area.

The initial incident involved a duck carcass seen floating in the algae-filled Reflecting Pool, where the recently applied “American Flag Blue” paint had started to peel. In the days following, two additional dead ducks—one juvenile and one adult—were found in a pond at Constitution Gardens, approximately 250 feet from the pool. Staff from City Wildlife, a local animal rescue and rehabilitation organization, collected the bodies for further examination.

While the cause of death for the Constitution Gardens ducks remains undetermined, experts note that ducks frequently move between the Reflecting Pool and Constitution Gardens, potentially exposing themselves to shared environmental hazards. April Linton, President of City Wildlife, suggested both the peeling paint and algae blooms might be factors contributing to the deaths. Certain types of algae are normal in a duck's diet, but blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can be toxic. Concerns were also raised that construction activity around the pool might be causing additional stress on the birds and disrupting their habitat.

The Interior Department has not provided details about the fate of the duck found in the Reflecting Pool but stated that the water is being treated with hydrogen peroxide, a treatment considered milder than chlorine, along with advanced “nanobubble ozone technology” aimed at reducing algae growth. The agency emphasized that this approach seeks to protect the pool’s ecosystem while addressing longstanding issues with algae and leaks.

City Wildlife’s Duck Watch team, comprising about 30 volunteers and staff who monitor the duck population daily, reported a notable decline in the number of ducks this year. Typically, they observe between 100 and 150 ducks at the Reflecting Pool and Constitution Gardens, but recent counts have ranged from 50 to 100. Access to the Reflecting Pool has been limited this spring due to construction-related closures, further complicating observation efforts.

Kristine Chapman, leader of the Duck Watch team, first spotted the two dead ducks at Constitution Gardens after being alerted by National Guard members patrolling the area. She expressed relief that no further dead waterfowl were found on subsequent visits but underscored the group’s intention to continue close monitoring of wildlife health in the area.

Amid the discoveries, President Donald Trump attributed the peeling paint to vandalism without providing evidence and suggested the pool might be drained again for additional repairs. Meanwhile, the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment announced plans to investigate the reported waterfowl deaths and concerns about runoff from the Reflecting Pool. Should more dead birds be found, city officials intend to send samples to laboratories for testing to determine possible exposure to diseases or chemicals.

City Wildlife has expressed criticism that the renovation efforts may prioritize aesthetic improvements over ecological considerations, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that safeguards the wellbeing of local wildlife as work on the iconic Reflecting Pool continues.