Bread is just plain bad

Feeding wildlife is banned at Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Photo by J.J. Meyer

   Stale bread can be used for many things.  Make French toast.  Dip it in cheese fondue.  Use it as a topping for French onion soup or make homemade breadcrumbs and crotons.  Just don’t feed it to the birds.

   Bread, crackers, chips and other processed foods are bad for birds and other wildlife because it offers little nutritional value and may interfere with normal foraging behaviors.      

   Ducks and geese are often the unfortunate recipients of bread handouts at local parks.  They are not biologically adapted to eating processed foods and may have problems digesting it. 

    Ecological preserves such as Bolsa Chica prohibit feeding wildlife.  Local parks may not be as strict.  If feeding is allowed, choose cracked corn or pellets available at agricultural supply stores.  And remember that ducks and geese can be aggressive especially when nesting.

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Happy Birding!

J.J.