Here's a picture of a popular Brigg pastime - feeding the ducks (and swans) on the Old River Ancholme, from the safety of the railings close to the County Bridge. Many adults take along their children and grandchildren and supplement the birds' naturally sourced diet with bread and other tit-bits. The jury is still out on whether the kids or the adults enjoy this weekend pastime the most. And these days, unlike when Mary Poppins was around, it costs a lot more than tuppence a bag to feed the birds! 
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A bit of clarification Scribs - swans,geese and ducks are all closely related. The Mute Swans on the Ancholme are biologically UK's biggest species of duck.
ReplyDeleteWell also have other species about Brigg's riverscape - such geese, moorhen and I have seen the odd coot.
They enjoy much the same food - essentially river-based vegetation, but will enjoy tit-bits from spectators.
It is important that all food is soggy before they eat it bread is ok, but don't feed it dry...and certainly don't feed them mouldy bread....or chocolate-based food as these are definite poisons to any birds.
But bread has it's limitations..it will make the birds feel full, but doesn't have all the nutrients that the ducks need.
Try fresh peas and corn (unfrozen and not salted), trimmings from cabbage, spinach, sliced lettuce and even diced fresh carrot - a varied, mixed diet is better than just bread.
However, the birds maybe somewhat conditioned to bread and it may take a little time to wean them off the stuff. It's a bit like kids - give them a choice between chips and mash - they'll opt for the chips.
However, birds have very few taste buds (I think a robin has about 4!), so its not the taste that they go for...it's more likely the sight association of a white bread slice meaning a filling meal.
Wild birds won't over-feed - they will just stop feeding when satisfied.