Top 10: No Crackers for the Quackers!

With Summer Pines’ proximity to water, we see lots of waterfowl in our neighborhood. Feeding ducks may seem harmless and a fun activity, but many people don’t realize the negative effects it has on wildlife, the environment, and common areas around us.

Please refrain from feeding our feathered friends.

1. Bread, chips, and crackers are “junk food” – ducks will happily eat this food, but it lacks the nutrients to keep them healthy.

2. Leftover food can attract rodents and other opportunistic wildlife that can carry and transmit disease.

3. Ducks in this environment can become overcrowded, which leads to over-competition, aggression, and injury. Waterfowl can also become habituated to humans, which leads to behavioral issues and an increased risk of injury and predation.

4. Wild animals who normally migrate may stay put due to the present food supply, which leads to exposure to elements, lack of food, and possible starvation during the winter.

5. Ducks who eat bread commonly suffer from metabolic bone disease and other deformities like “angel wing”. These birds are often unable to fly, which limits their ability to migrate, find food, and escape predators.

6. Ducklings need to learn how to forage for healthy food.

7. Wild duck droppings carry parasites that are harmful to people, especially young children.

8. Ducks nesting in our common areas cause damage to landscape plantings and grass by overgrazing.

9. An overpopulation of ducks makes our common areas unsightly and difficult to maintain by our landscaping partner.

10. Droppings left behind are a risk to dogs.

If you find a nest or observe hens with broods, please leave them alone and let the adult lead the young to the appropriate habitat.