Letter: Safe in the city

Sir: According to Cramp and Simmons, (the ornithologists' bible) 6 per cent of tufted ducks have broods of 17 (photograph, 16 July; letter, 18 July). Normally, of course, many ducklings would be gobbled by predators within a few hours of leaving the nest. But I think human beings are more likely to suffer predation in Westminster than ducklings.

MOLLIE CAIRD

Oxford