Wildlife and plant protection

Wild birds are back on our lakes, much to our delight.
It’s tempting to feed them, especially when they happily rush to the shores to grab pieces of bread or seeds.
But have we taken the time to consider the consequences of this action?

Consequences for the Environment

The food we give them, such as bread or poultry feed, is not suited to their needs. Additionally, the waste they produce contributes to lake pollution. These droppings, rich in nutrients, promote algae growth, which can disrupt the ecological balance.

Consequences for Humans

By feeding the ducks, we attract a large number of birds to the same area. A duck produces five times more fecal coliforms than a human. These droppings contaminate snails, and through them, the water. Cercariae (tiny larvae barely visible to the naked eye) can infect both birds and swimmers, causing “swimmer’s itch”—an uncomfortable rash that can last up to ten days.

Consequences for the Birds

Feeding the birds causes them to lose their instinct to forage. In the fall, when they should be migrating, they linger too long, risking death from cold or starvation. Additionally, their loss of fear of humans makes them vulnerable to hunters, predators, or harm from others. Finally, bread is poor-quality food, far less nutritious than the plants and small organisms they would naturally consume.

For their well-being, ours, and the health of our lakes, let’s refrain from feeding waterfowl.

Be aware that the amount of phosphorus produced by a population of birds is much higher than that of other animals, significantly contributing to the degradation of our waterways.

References :
“Protecting and Restoring Lakes” by Robert Lapalme, Publisher: Bouquins Verts
C.I.C. Ducks Unlimited Canada
Québec Ministry of Health and Social Services, “When Swimmer’s Itch Appears”