If You See Mainers Feeding Bread to Geese, Stop Them Immediately

This is a tough pill to swallow, considering feeding cute geese and ducks at the local pond was one of my happiest childhood memories. I think the thought of feeding bread to geese subconsciously comes to our brains the same way feeding a dog a bone would, but as it turns out, it's actually pretty damaging to them.

On the Portland, Maine, Facebook page, I noticed a photo of the local geese in Deering Oaks Park looking a bit disheveled.

Nicole Burnett, the woman who posted the photo, asked,

Who to contact for injured Canada geese in Deering Oaks Park? Not sure if these two have broken wings. Please advise

Tons of Mainers hit the comments section, suggesting anything from broken wings to a disease called "angel wing", which I had never heard of.

What is Angel Wing Syndrome?

According to wildlifediary,

...angel wing is a disease in which the flight feathers grow faster than the underlying wing structure. In turn, it causes the last joint in one or both wings to unnaturally twist outward, rather than lying flat against the bird’s body. It strips the bird from the ability to fly.

So where does feeding bread to these birds come into play? Well, long story short, it's making them sick.

Why is it bad to feed geese or ducks bread?

According to recconectwithnature.org, bread and crackers counts as junk food to them.

Just like humans who eat too much junk food, ducks and geese can suffer dire consequences when they eat too much bread and not enough of the natural grains, aquatic plants, insects and other small invertebrates they would feast on if we didn't so love feeding them bread.

So, there you have it. I see this a lot in Deering Oaks Park where the duck pond is, and I do know that they have a sign warning against feeding the ducks bread, which is good. However, I'm sure it's still going to happen, as it was such a staple activity from childhood. Times have changed, so please do the right thing and protect the birds!