Arthur May has been father and mother to thousands of ducklings. In his 21 years as birdkeeper on Duck Island, just opposite Buckingham Palace, he has cared for the residents of St James's Park and any birds of passage in temporary difficulties. The highlight of his year is watching his ducklings hatch in spring: the saddest moment in autumn when they leave him to go out on the lake. The continuing company of Daphne, the one-winged pelican, provides consolation. Never in his life has Arthur May had duck for dinner.