Jailbirds are among the 30 cute feathered friends that are flocking to the RSPCA in Godshill.
The birds – aged between two and five weeks – have all been brought to the centre recently from various locations across the Island. In each case, the ducklings had become separated from their mother.
One group were rescued from the ground of HMP Isle of Wight where they were being harassed by crows.
The young birds are currently being cared for at the Bohemia Corner Rescue Centre. They are being fed and kept warm in shelters and when old enough they will graduate to the centre’s outdoor facilities and ponds.
As soon as they get their flight feathers and are able to fend for themselves – at around nine weeks - they will be released at chosen safe locations.
While it was common for the centre to receive ducklings at this time of year, it was rare to see so many arrive all at one time, according to Suzanne Pugh, RSPCA IW branch manager, she said:
“There doesn’t seem to be any single reason behind the high number but it is certainly unusual to have this many and it is most definitely keeping us busy.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in helping to give these ducklings a second chance."
“We would also like to thank those who support us here at the centre with donations – without this help we simply would not be able to provide the wildlife rescue services that we do.”