Don't Feed the Ducks: Help Keep Norfork Lake Healthy

It's a peaceful scene - ducks paddling near the dock, a handful of crackers tossed into the water, laughter from the kids. We get it. Feeding ducks feels like a simple please. But here on Norfork Lake, that small act can have a big impact - and not in a good way.

Why Feeding Ducks Causes Harm

Feeding waterfowl like ducks and geese might seem harmless, even helpful, but it actually disrupts the balance of our lake's ecosystem.

Here's how:

1. It leads to poor water quality.

   Ducks and goose droppings add excess nutrients to the water - especially nitrogen and phosphorus. This fuels algae growth, which can lead to harmful algae blooms. Those blooms reduce oxygen in the water, hurting fish and other aquatic life.

2. It encourages overpopulation.

   Feeding creates unnaturally large groups of ducks and geese. This leads to overcrowding, aggressive behavior among birds, and even disease outbreaks. Birds become dependent on human food and stop foraging naturally.

3. It harms the birds' health.

   Bread and processed snacks aren't part f a duck's natural diet. They're like junk food - filling but not nutritious. Birds fed regularly by humans can suffer from malnutrition, deformities like "angel wing," and digestive issues.

What You Can Do Instead

We're lucky to live and work around such a beautiful body of water. Let's keep it healthy for the next generation by taking small steps that add up:

1. Enjoy the ducks - from a distance.

   Watch, take photos, and let them stay wild.

2. Educate others.

   If you see someone feeding ducks, kindly let them know why it's not a good idea.

3. Dispose of trash properly.

   Food scraps and litter attract birds - and hurt the lake.

4. Support local conservation efforts.

   Every little bit helps protect this lake we love.

Let's Work Together

At Fout Boat Dock, we're proud to be a part of a community that cares about Norfork Lake. Keeping it clean, clear, and healthy is a team effort - and that includes how we interact with the wildlife that calls it home.

So next time you're tempted to toss that crust of bread to a waddling duck, just wave instead. You're helping the lake more than you know.