We all
have a memory of going to the park; our parents packed a picnic, some drinks,
and you headed out for the whole day. You would play for HOURS when it suddenly
became lunchtime. You head over to start making your sandwich when all of a
sudden you hear a faint noise *quack quack*.
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Photo
Credit:
https://audubonportland.org/our-work/rehabilitate-wildlife/having-a-wildlife-problem/urban-mallards/ |
The ducks know what time it is
too....
Soon enough you are fending them off while trying to eat your sandwich as
fast as you can.
Along the way, you probably ended up dropping, or throwing,
some of your bread to the hungry ducks.
We all have this memory, but did you
know that you should not feed wildlife?!
Yes, this means the ducks too!
Bread has no nutritional value to
ducks, yet it makes them feel full and takes the place of their natural
balanced diet. If we constantly feed ducks bread, they will end up lacking
essential nutrients and with a range of problems, one of which is angel wing.
Angel wing is a condition where the last joint is distorted and causes the
feathers to stick out sideways. This, in turn, can keep the bird from flying.
If the bread is left uneaten, it can remain in the water and cause algal
blooms, contribute to other wildlife eating it and getting sick, and poor water
quality.
So next time you head to the park
for a picnic, remember to enjoy that sandwich, but don’t let the ducks enjoy it
too!
Remember to practice Leave No Trace and Respect Wildlife.
Enjoy the
journey!
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