Why feeding wild ducks is a terrible idea

According to Ducks Unlimited, the world’s largest private, non-profit organization for waterfowl and wetland conservation, feeding wild ducks can concentrate birds in one location and lead to overpopulation problems at small urban and suburban parks. Many parks are currently plagued with sick and injured ducks that are a direct result of the intense aggression and competition that occurs when waterfowl populations become concentrated. Overcrowding seems a major concern and worry for the Island’s humans, so why inflict it on the poor unsuspecting ducks?

Constantly feeding waterfowl can lead to severe habitat degradation. With large amounts of bird droppings comes the increased transmission of diseases. Large amounts of bird droppings can lead to increased bacterial counts, including E. coli, in nearby bodies of water. Plus, the increased amount of nutrients from bird droppings lead to growth of algae and may affect water quality, which in turn, may lead to human health problems.

The most popular item that humans seem to love throwing wild ducks is bread that has gone stale. While both humans and duck have been known to enjoy a crusty French baguette, that does not make it appropriate nutrition for our winged friends. Bread and other processed foods are not part of a bird’s natural diet and may lead to malnutrition. In fact, it can be downright fatal, with many ducks choking on large pieces of bread. �The notion that waterfowl cannot survive without human intervention is false. Ducks and geese have survived for thousands of years without handouts,� says the Audubon Society of Portland.

As a wildlife lover, the most important thing you can do, is spread the word. Too many people are simply unaware of why they shouldn’t feed the ducks and would never think of throwing food their way, if they were informed of the consequences. The next time you’re standing by Lac des Battures, enjoying the sites and sounds of the Island’s green spaces, and you see someone feeding the ducks, tell them why they shouldn’t. Even if the ducks seem disappointed, you’ll be doing them a huge favour.