It’s spring and we all know what that means… ducklings! And fuck yeah! I live right near a river, so I get to see the ducks most days, and right now, there are baby ducklings everywhere. So if you’re looking for something to do, find your local river or pond or lake or stream where ducks hang out, and go see if there’s any ducklings. I took this particular shot at Morialta Conservation Park, but I live at the top end of Linear Park and there’s ducklings everywhere there right now. Just keep in mind two things:
Firstly, parent ducks aren’t anywhere near as excited to see you as you are to see their kids. So if you get too close, you may well get told to duck off by mum or dad. So keep your distance.
And secondly, if you’re gonna feed the ducks, and I’d like to think I don’t need to say this but apparently I bloody do, do. not. feed. them. bread. Ever. Please. Please do not feed them human food. You might think “oh, but it won’t kill them” but actually, it will.
Many places will tell you not to feed wild birds or animals at all because it disrupts their natural behaviour, but if you’re absolutely hell bent on doing it, at least spend a few minutes to find out what they actually eat and what’s good for them, and feed them that. I go to the local pet store and buy bags of duckfood and take a small bag of that down with me from time to time. Or feed the ones that come and land on my front lawn to saw hi.
