Balcony rescue for Juliet's ducks

Three ducks died after falling five storeys from their nest

A brood of ducklings has been rescued after their mother set up a nest on top of a five-storey office block.

The mother duck - nicknamed Juliet because of her penchant for balconies - has been nesting on top of Sovereign Court, Macclesfield, for three years.

Two years ago, some of her ducklings fell 180ft to the car park below, killing three of them and injuring six.

The rescued ducklings have been taken to Stapeley Grange animal sanctuary in Nantwich, Cheshire.

The nest is just inches away from the edge of the office block.

RSPCA Inspector Andy Shearman said Juliet had chosen the site because regular rainfall created a large puddle on top of the office block's flat roof, convincing her it was a pond.

The rescued ducks are now being cared for at an animal sanctuary

"It is a sun spot, there is greenery and fresh water. It's a perfect nursery - from a mother duck's perspective," he said.

Mr Shearman and RSPCA colleagues decided to capture her ducklings for their own safety on Monday.

"Ducks habitually nest in the same place year after year," he added.

"We tried to capture her but she was so agitated that we were worried that she would damage her wings.

"But we managed to get the ducklings and take them to safety.

"The problem is, we will probably have to go back there next year and do the same thing again."