what to feed the ducks

[Guest guest]

In response to discussion on what to feed the ducks (if not white bread)

here is what my friend and duck expert (biologist) has to say:

 

--- forwarded message ---

 

" Don't feed them " is the most appropriate response. Ducks and geese

(etc.) are highly migratory species fine-tuned for their environments,

but when we give them artificially high quality or quantity food, they

can become present in places, or at times, that are not appropriate for

them or their environment. This can lead to stresses on both them and

their environment - including on other animals and plants that evolved

to be at that location in a season and state without the ducks, geese

etc. Mechanisms that express this are the unnatural transmission of

diseases between wildlife species, over-grazing of habitats, competition

and displacements of the natural order of species that would normally

occupy that environment at that season, and so on.

 

If people must feed, do so minimally (rather than piles of food that can

sit and become mouldy - a deadly consequence); and use the most natural

foods you can - pluck some grass nearby, or provide a wee bit of dry

grain (barley, wheat etc.). Try and think of better ways to spend your

dollars in support of wildlife, like contributing to a wildlife habitat

program such as the Nature Conservancy, or water conservation programs

and so on. But do enjoy the birds when they are in your area - become a

keen observer of their behaviour and their ecology, and your pleasure

and fascination will grow much beyond your even current interests!

 

B