I am very angry when I see the campers throwing bread and other stuff to the swans, geese and ducks here. They are not supposed to but they think it is a 'cute' thing to see them come and cluster around, squawking and begging. There is enough natural vegetation to sustain them, and their health may suffer due to all of the white bread and other things they are fed. These folks must be made to understand that these are wild birds and not a petting zoo. I have seen a goose attack a small child when she was feeding it, reaching out her hand holding a chunk of something and then pulling it back. It's so frustrating but I am too hesitant to say a word, though I sure would like to educate them all. (You never know how people will accept positive criticism so I keep quiet, coward that I am.)
Foods That are Poisonous to Swans and Other Birds
CHOCOLATE is harmful and can be fatal to birds. Chocolate poisoning first affects a bird's digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. As the condition worsens, the bird's central nervous system is affected, resulting in seizures and eventually death.
Salt: While all living beings need regulated amounts of sodium in their systems, salt can lead to a host of health problems in birds, including excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and death. Avoid feeding them any foods with added salt.
Apple Seeds: They contain trace amounts of Cyanide. While the fruit of the apple is fine for birds, be aware that in addition to the poisonous seeds, there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse and core any apple pieces to avoid exposure to these toxins.
Onions cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a host of other digestive problems. It has been found that prolonged exposure can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, which is followed by respiratory distress and eventual death.
Dried beans: Uncooked beans contain a poison called hemaglutin that’s very toxic to birds.
Avocados cause cardiac distress and heart failure.
Mushrooms cause digestive upset, and caps and stems of some varieties induce liver failure.
Caffeine and alcohol cause cardiac malfunction.
Tomato leaves (related to the nightshades), stems, vines & leaves are highly toxic to birds.
source: http://www.stanley-park-swans.com/SwanFood.shtml#Public
Well, I have a swan friend that comes to me and she doesn't even beg. She knows I don't feed her and she comes to me every time I stop at the edge of the bay. She definitely is the same swan because she has an unique mark on her right wing with which I'm familiar. I just talk to her and 'click' with both my tongue and camera.
Here she comes.....
Heading straight to me.....
She looks toward another friend who approaches.....
And then comes to me.
