While it might be fun to feed ducks, swans and other birds at local parks and wetlands, it is important to feed them the right food.
The Werribee River Association (WRA) has appealed for residents who visit Wyndham’s waterways and other locations, such as the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands, to refrain from feeding bread or baked goods to any birds.
WRA member Christine Morris said: “Feeding the birds was something we always did when I was growing up, but now we know that’s really dangerous for them.
“Bread can make them very, very sick or even kill them.”
Bread contains ingredients, which – even in very small doses – can cause nutritional imbalances in birds and increase the risk of disease.
If you absolutely must feed ducks, mealworms are the best option, or small, torn-up pieces of lettuce, cabbage or broccoli.
The WRA has created a QR code for people to scan to learn more about healthy ways to support ducks, and the association is also looking at other ways to get the message across to the community, such as installing decals on the ground.
Ms Morris said she would love to hear residents’ stories about ducks and birds in Wyndham, and also people’s ideas about how to work together to educate people about keeping wildlife safe.
“I’d love to create a picture storybook or anthology of Wyndham’s duck stories: funny, quirky, heart-warming, sad,” she said.
If you have a photo, video or story to share with Ms Morris, contact wyndhamswildlife@gmail.com.
Details: www.healthywildlife.com.au/feeding-ducks/#/
