Flood defence work on the Kennet and Avon Canal has led to the deaths of several ducklings and cygnets, according to a local resident.
Pensioner, Lorna Hillier, of Seend Cleeve, has seen the bedraggled bodies of young ducks and swans as she walked along the canal bank.
Mrs Hillier said: "Children like to feed the ducks but they are disappearing."
Oda Dijsterhuis, ecologist for British Waterways, who maintain the canal, said: "We have installed ramps on the side of the canal, so birds can climb out during a dry season when the canal is empty. We are concerned at these reports, but need proof before we can act."
A spokesman from Wiltshire Wildlife said: "We have had reports of birds getting into difficulty but don't have enough evidence to connect that with the canal or flood defence work."
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