Editor's Notebook: Is it Good to Feed the Ducks?

Walking out of Rockn' Joe earlier today, I noticed new bags on the counter marked "duck food."

It's a smart move by them since feeding the ducks in Taylor Park is a popular activity. Even during the winter, you will find people in the park feeding the ducks. I wrote about one woman who regularly feeds them.

But is this a good practice? Are we helping the ducks?

I did a simple Google search of "Is it good to feed the ducks?" The answer in the results? No, it's not. The food we give the ducks isn't nutritious for them and could bring other animals (like rats) that we don't want.

But none of the articles I cited there are from a scientific source. Plus I don't know the town's stance on duck feeding. There are no signs in Taylor Park that says "don't feed the animals" like you may see in other communities. (Side story: I once saw a first selectman back where I grew up in Connecticut feeding the ducks right next to a giant "don't feed the animals" sign)

So the answer isn't quite clear. It's certainly a fun activity for children and even some adults. I'm a fan of feeding ducks myself. But, like with everything fun in life, there appears to be some downside.

How do you feel about it?