Visiting ducks prove popular at hospital

The ducks have been popular visitors to the hospital over the last three years

A hospital in Nottingham is welcoming the annual arrival of a family of ducks.

Intrepid mallards have been visiting Highbury Hospital over the past three years as part of their regular migration routes.

Their stops at the hospital have proven popular with patients and employees.

Rebecca Wilde, activity co-ordinator, said it had provided food and water while the mother duck had been raising her chicks in the courtyards.

The visiting mallards are appreciated by patients and staff

"It's really lovely to see them," she said.

"We're able to see them sleep in and playing about, seeing them grow up and go from not being able to walk around to now exploring the environment.

"We just get everybody looking out the window, seeing what they're doing, getting excited telling new people if they've seen the ducks.

"We'd hope that they could stay forever, but at some point they will end up flying off in a few weeks' time, which will be sad for us, but it will be lovely to see them grow."