DUCKLINGS paddling on the River Test are usually a sure sign of spring.

But these tiny bundles of feathers, which were discovered in Overton, have hatched just weeks before Christmas.

Peter Baker, of High Street, Overton, discovered the mallard ducklings in Bridge Street while he was out walking on Saturday.

Mr Baker said: "I usually take bread to feed the ducks but to my amazement we saw these eight tiny ducklings.

"We always look forward to seeing them every spring, but to see them only six weeks before Christmas is odd."

Paul Outhwaite, communications manager from the RSPB South East, said that although it is not common for ducks to breed in the autumn, if the weather conditions are good, they may sometimes take the chance.

He said: "I am not aware of many birds, still less ducks, breeding at this time of year.

"But it has been relatively mild of late. The thing about all wild animals is that they breed when the conditions are right."

Mr Outhwaite said that the hatching of the ducklings is not conclusive evidence of climate change, but does indicate that the weather has been quite mild for autumn.

He said: "The risk is, with an unpredictable climate, that if these ducklings are not self sufficient and we get really cold weather, they could suffer."

He advised local people not to feed the ducklings regularly, as they need to learn to look after themselves. However, if people do feed ducks, they should use duck food - which can be bought from a number of retailers or the RSPB - rather than white bread, which is not very nutritious.