Hello! It is beautiful here in Minnesota this time of year; the trees are vivid colors, there is a nip in the air and things are chainging (and the birds are on the move). This time of year my kids and I like to go down to the river and feed the ducks. We have been doing this for years.
Recently, I have been reading articles on the downside of feeding ducks. The articles point to spreading sickness among the wild ducks, interbreeding causing hybrids and a host of other evils (including messy parks). However, I see an upside, here goes.
(1) Many families enjoy feeding the ducks (and I mean lots). I see kids of all ages, couples, old folks and even teens. All of them are smiling, talking, laughing and having a fun time. I feel in todays busy world feeding the ducks brings people together and creates memories.
(2) The parks are getting a lot more use. Families come down to feed the ducks (where as they may have just stayed home). After they feed the ducks the hang around a swing, walk, have something to eat and a lot of fun.
(3) Ducks are getting fed. True that a lot of folks are bring junk food (bread, crackers, etc.) that is not nutitional. However, I have been speaking with folks on what to bring; cracked corn and duck pellets available at a feed store just down the road. Now, the ducks that are just passing through get good food for their journey and the ones that winter in the river (stays open year round as it has a dam) are eating better.
So let me know what you think! Should we be feeding the ducks or should they be left to fend for themselves?
Thanks, Dave