SIX baby ducklings took a Melksham couple by surprise this month when they found the ducklings and their mother living in their garden, almost a mile from the nearest river.
Simon White, who lives on St. Andrew’s Road, discovered the newly hatched ducklings a week ago in his rockery.
He said, “I promised my wife that this summer we would concentrate on our garden, lay a new patio, put down new turf, have a new summer house – but the arrival of the ducklings has delayed our plans slightly!
“They are very sweet and I know my 18 month old grand-daughter is going to love them.
“I will wait to see what the mother does next, I’m sure she will try and find water quite soon but in the meantime I have put a bucket of water near their nest.
“They’ve certainly made themselves at home and waddle around the garden without a care in the world, they don’t seem to be worried about us.”
Mallards and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The RSPB says that if you find ducklings in your garden and need to move them, you should do so in the morning so they have the day to hunt and find a new home.
The society says you should avoid chasing the ducks too much, and gently pin their wings to their sides when you pick them up. They are generally docile aside from trying to flap their wings, but should be handled as little as possible to reduce stress.
Ducklings should always be kept near to their parent, and if transported, should always be put down on land, in sight of the parent.
For more information and advice go to www.rspb.org.uk
