Harold and Bea Brought Grain for the Ducks. Waffles Found Something Better.
A small flotilla of mallards has gathered in the shallow water at the edge of the park pond, green-headed drakes and speckled hens bobbing expectantly. Bea crouches at the bank in a soft oatmeal cardigan, glasses on and hair in a bun, holding out a handful of grain and smiling down at the birds. Beside her, Harold, in a green knit beanie and plaid flannel, cups his own handful with a gentle grin. In the foreground, Waffles has his nose pressed to the reeds along the waterline, ears drooping toward the mud, completely absorbed in the incredible smells of the shoreline and far less interested in the ducks than you might expect.
Feeding ducks is a beloved pastime, and it is kinder to the birds when you choose the right food. Bread fills ducks up without much nutrition and can foul the water, so better options include cracked corn, oats, birdseed, or chopped greens, offered in small amounts. Check local park rules first, since some places discourage feeding wildlife. For dogs near ponds, a leash is a must. Scent hounds like Bassets can get so focused on a trail that they forget everything else, and they are not strong swimmers. Discourage drinking pond water, which can contain harmful bacteria or algae, and bring fresh water instead.
The ducks get an afternoon snack, Harold and Bea get a peaceful hour by the water, and Waffles gets to read every message left along the shore. Everyone leaves with exactly what they came for.
