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An older man in a green cardigan crouches at a pond's edge offering grain to mallard ducks while a grey cat sits nearby. 32 / 40

Grandpa Held Out Grain for the Ducks. The Grey Cat on the Bank Was Watching Closely.

AI imagerussian blueduck pondwildlife

Mallards glide across the little pond, drawn in by the handful of grain Grandpa holds out at the water's edge. He crouches low in his green cardigan, smiling gently, with grains spilling between his fingers. A few feet away on the muddy bank, Sterling sits perfectly still, green eyes fixed on the ducks with intense interest but not one paw out of place. Behind them, a white house with a lit window and a wooden porch looks warm and welcoming in the early evening light.

Feeding ducks is a beloved pastime, but what you offer matters. Bread is a common choice, yet it provides very little nutrition for waterfowl and can pollute ponds when it isn't eaten. Better options include cracked corn, oats, birdseed, or chopped greens, offered in small amounts. Check local rules, too, since some parks discourage feeding wildlife. When a cat is part of the outing, keep it close and supervised. Cats have strong hunting instincts, and even a calm cat might pounce on a duck or chase it into the water. A harness and leash are a sensible precaution, and keeping a safe distance protects both the birds and your pet.

Today, at least, Sterling seems content to watch and keep the peace. The ducks get dinner, and the cat gets the most entertaining show in the neighborhood.

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