This isn't an identification help request, but I do have a question regarding birdfeeding, particularly ducks. My feeders are set up at the edge of a pond and I frequently have ducks and geese come to feed from what the perch birds spill from the feeders. From time to time I just spread seed on the ground for the ducks and geese so they don't have to wait for the seed. What I want to know is is this ok? I mean, I've always been told not to feed the ducks or they won't fly south for the winter. But I can't really stop the other birds from spilling seeds, so is there harm in just spreading it out for the ducks to begin with, since they are going to get seeds one way or another? I've been doing this all year long so I have no problem doing this throughout the winter, too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
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David Lukas
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David Lukas
Posted 29 October 2005 - 09:37 PM
Tough question, but in general the theory with birdfeeders is that by their very nature birds have a tendency to view food as an ephemeral patch that comes and goes without warning. If you think about it, this makes sense since it would be dangerous to become dependent on one source of food in nature. Therefore all birds depend on a wide variety of foods even when given unlimited access to food at a feeder, and therefore a bird will not change its natural migratory patterns due to one small feeder in someone's yard. Go ahead and feed, and enjoy!
David
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