Question:  You helped me this past winter when I asked about what to feed the ducks that appeared at my house.  Now that the fall is coming I have some questions if you don't mind.

The ducks appear first thing in the morning and then a smaller group comes at dusk (almost like clock work!)  I can tell the drought has been hard on them because so many of the ponds in my neighborhood have dried up.

I don't want to alter their cycle in any way and I am worried that they will not migrate because they don't leave when they have a food source.  Should I stop feeding them in the fall?  I want to do what's best for them.    NK

Answer:  NK -- We've been told by a Ducks Unlimited member that the best thing for the ducks is to stop feeding them. (forever)  This will force them to forage for themselves and they'll be better prepared to survive the varying conditions that exist in nature and to migrate.  We don't want wild ducks dependent on people--a sort of welfare for ducks!  (We're told that natural food is very plentiful right now.)  In fact, the Conservation Council feels so strongly about this that they will be considering a resolution at their next session to make the feeding of wild ducks illegal.  It'll be tough saying goodbye to your little pals, but it's best for them.

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