"Please don't feed the ducks!"
Have you ever wondered why parks have signs warning against feeding the local ducks?
There are several reasons why these signs are posted, but they're mostly related to the health of the water body and the birds themselves.
Most of the traditional snacks people bring for the ducks are basically water-fowl junk food! Bread, being the most common snack, is super filling without providing any nutrition. There have also been links between bread consumption and certain illnesses in our favorite birds.
Last week, I went to the park and saw a family throw an entire loaf of bread in the water for the ducks. Maybe if one person did this, it wouldn't have such a bad effect. Unfortunately, I saw more than one family do this in a single afternoon.
When I came back a week later, some nasty algae was growing on the water near the most popular feeding sites. As bread decays in the water, there is an excess of nutrients which fuels algae overgrowth. This overgrowth deprives water of oxygen, eventually killing aquatic animals and overall lowering water quality.
What can you feed them, then? Most experts agree that peas, sliced grapes, lettuce, and birdseed are the best options. But still, do not throw them into the water! The ducks will appreciate your kindness even more if their ponds stay clean.
At the end of the day, the best thing to feed the ducks at the park is nothing at all, but if you really want to, consider one of these alternatives before reaching for your leftover loaf.
Photo Credit Renee Watters
Mechanical Design, Drafting, 3D Modeling, Graphics, Concepts, Art Direction
2moHey Moy - greetings from "Scotland" 😅 Yes, my mom could use some healthy eating for sure, however she is outside your range. Glad to see the good work you are doing. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry!