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Let's Talk: Feeding Ducks
Feeding ducks is an excellent way to introduce baby and young birders to the bird life
Introducing Kids to Birding Can Feel Daunting
Often, with an alter ego of Mama Birder, I get asked how to get kids interested in birding and outdoor adventures. Really, it is a valid question. Like most things in parenting it can be hard to know where to safely start babies and children on their journey to loving the outdoors and the beautiful creatures in it. When I am asked this question I think my response is often surprising to other parents. Go Feed The Ducks.
Very young children often don't know what to make of birds. My son would often personally be outraged by every bird that flew away from his pudgy little fingers when he started walking and even at nearly 3 years old he can still sometimes hold a grudge. However, I discovered that most areas created for children often also have a pond that is littered with birds. So, when I set out to put my son on track to loving birding I started with the one bird he could name the "quack quacks."
Things to remember when feeding ducks
Although duck ponds are readily available in most communities and often in very public spaces. It does not mean we are not without responsibility to provide good stewardship to our feathered friends. First and foremost always obey posted signs. Not all wildlife is meant to be snacking and feeding ducks can upset very crucial ecosystems. However, if you are at a place where the oddly thrown handful of seed is not only accepted but encouraged- then live your best life. Ducks and birds are more delicate than you think and long gone are the days when a stale loaf of bread taking up space on your counter was an acceptable offering. Bread is terrible for ducks and birds and provides basically no nutritional value whatsoever. Ditch the bread for these duck friendly foods:
Duck Safe Foods
- Cooked Rolled Oats
- Cracked Corn
- Thawed Frozen Peas
- Sliced Grapes (to prevent choking)
- Cabbage or Lettuce
-Veggies (cut in small pieces)
-Mealworms
- Duck Feed/ Bird Seed
Since my son was born I have generally kept birdseed in a nalgene bottle with me at all times. We call it the Emergency Stash and its perfect for impromptu stops to the local Riparian or duck pond. I often like to bring extra for kids that don't have bird obsessed parents and look jealously at my carefree son throwing fist fulls of seed in the lake.
Beyond considering the health of the ducks its also important to remember the health of our kids. Birds are not inherently dirty as some people like to imply but they are messy. My own kiddo has ended touching bird poo on accident more times than I can count and that was before he became addicted to hand feeding pigeons like his mom.
I carry a pouch (purchased on Etsy in a gorgeous duck print mind you) of "oh no, dirty bird" supplies with me at all times as well. Inside one can find baby wipes, wet wipes, and clorox wipes depending on the severity of what we are cleaning off and of course good old fashion hand sanitizer. It even fits a spare diaper even though we are mostly out of that stage. Parents are generally grateful when I share those goods as we as the bird seed.
Throw In Some Education
Feeding ducks is not only fun but it can also be educational. If you are actually trying to convince your little one that birding is fun IDing ducks can be a great way to make a game out of it. Point to various species of duck and say their proper names out loud. Kids are often surprised to discover not all ducks are quack quacks and are instead Mallards, Scaups, Muscovies, and more. Don't know the name of the duck yourself? No problem download the Merlin App and use it to ID the ducks by sound or picture. Or go really old school and bring a bird guide for your area along with you. Just have fun with it.
Some parting wisdom
Just remember it is our job as parents to be responsible for our children and we are equally responsible for the safety of the ducks and birds around us. Water is inherently dangerous no matter how many ducklings are paddling around in it. Always watch your kids around water at all times. Kids have a habit of getting right to the edge of a pond and one of balanced food throw can send them tumbling in.
It is also important to guide children in gentle care of our avian and wildlife friends. I have a high energy kid and he generally wants to chase the birds much to my chagrin. I am often appalled at how many parents do not correct this behavior. It is not ok to stress the wildlife. Sure my son is just a toddler but I am not and he will learn to be respectful to animals if I do not make it an important lesson to learn.
Honestly though, don't overthink it. Its just feeding ducks. Go outside with your littles and let them experience them magic of throwing a handful of goodies in the water and watching our aquatic friends go feral over it.
And as always. Happy birding!
Great content! Keep up the good work!