A British pensioner has been fined £150 (€177) for feeding the ducks in a London park.
The 82 year old received the fine after she was spotted throwing biscuits into the river where the birds were swimming.
On Moncrieff, Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland explained why feeding biscuits to ducks is not recommended.
“For ducks, they’re full of sugar, they’re full of empty carbohydrates but not great for things like protein and other vitamins and minerals that they need,” he said.
Mr Hatch continued that the "occasional" biscuit does no harm, but many ducks are given “huge quantities” of what is essentially “junk food” for them.
A duckling. Picture by: Pixabay. Instead, he recommended feeding them vegetables.
“Rather than bringing bread or biscuits or anything like that, it’s much better to use leafy vegetables,” he said.
“So, things like the outer leaves of cabbage and lettuce; the tops of celery in particular they love.
“The tops of carrots peelings work quite well too.
“I know that peas work well - ducks love peas.”
Main image: Ducks in St Stephens Green. Picture by: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
