Duck soup

Hi folks – this is a plea for a bit of common sense, and it would be really nice if folks could perhaps think about it a little bit. It’s a nice weekend, and with that, we all like to go for walks and visit our local parks and greenspaces.

At places like Chasewater (pictured) and Walsall Arboretum – as well as anywhere there is open water – a really popular activity is feeding the ducks and waterfowl. It’s no wonder, it’s a great way to have fun with kids and teach them about wildlife.

However, it would be really nice to consider when it’s appropriate to stop. These images were taken by friend of the blog and Brownhills reader Rose Maria Burnell at the Chasewater boating lake during the last period of decent weather in mid-February. Quite clearly, the feathered friends had taken their fill, and the discarded bread was beginning to form a pollution hazard.

If you want to feed the ducks, geese and swans, please go ahead, but seed is best; it’s far more nutritious than bread, and safer (bread can choke small birds like ducklings). Ordinary wild bird seed will do, but the innovation centre at Chasewater do sell it by the cup.

It’s hard enough for the rangers to keep on top of the bird poo problem there, let alone the bread, so please do think about it before adding to the issue.

Cheers – wherever you go this weekend, have fun – and thanks to Rose for raising the issue.