BBC News Online: UK: England

Nice weather fools ducks

Ducks normally hatch their young in the spring

Seven ducklings hatched out at Newquay Zoo in Cornwall at the weekend.

They have been born to two wild mallards that have taken up residence on the zoo's lakes.

Mike Thomas, the zoo's managing director, said: "I couldn't believe they had been born at this time of the year.

"They would normally be born in April, May or even June.

Cold snaps

"But because it has been so warm lately, and there has been a purity of light, the drake must have thought it was time to breed."

The ducklings have been moved to the village farm, where they can snuggle up in warm buildings when cold snaps come.

They are also being fed with diet supplements.

"If they pull through the next couple of weeks they should be all right," said Mr Thomas.