![\"A](\"https:\/\/taylorpond.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/A-couple-of-mallards-on-the-dock..jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA pair of Mallards hang out on the dock.<\/p>\n
\u201cSwimmer\u2019s itch\u201d comes from a parasite called Schistosomiasis released into the water through duck feces.\u00a0 The more ducks concentrate in an area, the more likely the disease will affect swimmers.\u00a0 When eggs in duck waste hatch, the small larvae (miracidia) then infect snails.\u00a0 The larvae mature into cercariae which leave the snail to infect another duck.\u00a0 Immature parasites can burrow into the skin of human swimmers and waders, causing an itching rash for up to one week.\u00a0 Ducks also carry Salmonella, a bacteria, that can infect both people and animals and cause bloody diarrhea.<\/p>\n
Over the years I have spotted 14 different species of ducks on the Pond.\u00a0 Many use it as a staging point on their migration to and from water in northern Maine and Canada.\u00a0 We have at least six species known to breed on Taylor Pond in the summer: Wood, Mallard, and Black Ducks, Hooded and Common Mergansers, and Canada Geese.<\/p>\n
I do not recommend feeding the ducks.\u00a0 If you do feed them, understand that an artificial diet may cause Duck Virus Enteritis that can kill off the entire population.\u00a0 The only artificial diet should be high quality grains that are free of mold or spoilage.\u00a0 However, ducks routinely fed on such a diet tend to become obese, develop heart disease, liver problems and malnutrition.\u00a0 Uneaten food should be quickly removed because left over food will attract rodents and can quickly grow a fungus, Aspergillus, that is fatal to ducks.\u00a0 Rotting food may contain botulism that quickly kills ducks.<\/p>\n
An overfed duck will not be able to fly as fast or escape from predators.\u00a0 In addition, when food is provided in the winter they may not migrate to a climate more suitable for them.\u00a0 The best nutrition for a duck consists of natural foods growing in their environment that allow them to be trim, fly fast and stay healthy.<\/p>\n
If you must feed the ducks, provide food only intermittently and in small amounts to avoid large collections of birds.\u00a0 Finally, I hope that you will, most of all, appreciate the wild nature of the ducks, keeping them at a distance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dana Little, June 1, 2010 The law protects any migratory birds from harassment or injury but does not prevent you from feeding them.\u00a0 According to Judy Camuso of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, feeding ducks and geese on Taylor Pond is … Continue reading