Taking a bag of stale bread to feed the ducks in the park is probably something you did as a child. And the simple pleasure of this weekend activity is still there. . . However, we now know that bread isn’t really something that supports the health and wellbeing of ducks and swans. But, a scattering of some ‘proper’ wildfowl food is a great way to support them, particularly over a harsh winter.
We’ve put together some helpful information and advice on feeding – and generally understanding the needs of these beautiful wild birds.
Safe habitats
It’s really important that wet meadow, rough grassland and a margin of vegetation is left around ponds, so the grass should not be mown right down to the water’s edge.
Water should be kept clean. Uneaten food can pollute water and encourage the growth of algae and rodents.
During in winter in particular, swans and ducks need undisturbed roosting areas, islands or quiet bands, unfenced access to water and protection from dogs and other disturbance.
Natural diets
Swans graze on grass and vegetation in the water, whereas ducks and other waterfowl feed on plants on the water, invertebrates and seeds.
Supplementary diets
Waterfowl pellets, peas and other pulses, along with chopped leafy greens are a great way to supplement nature’s larder, particularly when natural resources begin to dwindle. Scatter food on the water’s edge or in shallow water, rather than putting it on the land where it can attract rats.
Shop swan and duck food
Avoid feeding bread as it can fill swans up without providing a balanced diet, and mouldy bread is particularly unsuitable.
Are all swans the same?
In Britain we have three species of swan:
Mute Swan
They live in the UK all year, feeding on aquatic vegetation, grasses and submerged plants.
Whooper Swan
They live in the UK mainly from autumn to spring, feeding on grass, crops, roots and agricultural leftovers.
Bewick’s Swan
These are a winter visitor from Arctic Russia and they feed on grass, wheat, sugar beet, potatoes and maize leftovers. Their UK wintering population has declined so much that they are now Red-listed with BTO reports showing a 96% decline between 1998 and 2023.
What sort of ducks can we expect to see?
Common wild ducks include:
Mallard
Teal
Wigeon
Gadwall
Shoveler
Tufted duck
Pochard
Which species of geese can we expect arriving for the winter?
Pink-footed goose
They arrive in large numbers – more than a quarter of a million - from Iceland and Greenland, and will graze on grass, agricultural crops and leftovers.
Barnacle goose
A striking Arctic migrant, mainly associated with Scotland’s Solway coast.
Greylag goose
A native breeding goose which feeds mainly on grasses and other vegetation.
Canada goose
A familiar resident, feeding mainly on grass and aquatic vegetation.
Brent goose
A coastal specialist, particularly dependent on eelgrass and other coastal vegetation.