Lower Burrell teens want bread out of ducks' diets at Burrell Lake Park

Save the ducks — ditch the bread.

That’s the message from Lower Burrell teens Katie Harris and Julia Skowronski, members of Girl Scout Troop 16454, on an awareness campaign to inform people of what’s appropriate, and what’s not, when it comes to feeding ducks at Burrell Lake Park.

“We noticed how the ducks are starting to look a little weird and get different sicknesses, because people are feeding them bread,” said Katie, an incoming freshman at Burrell High School.

So, Katie and Julia, both 14, worked together to research healthier foods for ducks and design signage to be placed around the lake advising people to not feed them bread.

The signs will also have a QR code that directs people to a document the teens created that outlines why bread is unhealthy for ducks and healthier alternatives they can be fed.

“Bread has no nutritional value at all,” Katie said.

Things like corn, peas and birdseed are better.

“Bread is the equivalent to junk food for us,” said Julia an incoming freshman at St. Joseph High School in Harrison. “Anything else is healthier and gives them the proper nutrients they need.”

Science backs up the girls’ research.

According to the National Geographic Educational Blog, bread causes a variety of problems for ducks, unnecessary weight gain being only the most noticeable. Bread also leads to malnutrition in the animals because they fill up on the bread instead of natural, more nutrient-packed foods.

On the more serious side, according to the blog, eating bread long-term can cause a condition known as “Angel Wing” in ducks. It causes their wing bones to grow too fast and too heavy for their joints to support, causing them to lose the ability to fly and even deforming the wings.

The girls’ signs urging visitors to find better alternatives for the ducks will be placed around Burrell Lake in the coming weeks.

The task is Katie and Julia’s Silver Award project for Girl Scouts. The Silver Award is one of the highest awards in Girl Scouts.

The pair presented the plan at a recent city council meeting and at the Lower Burrell Farmer’s Market.

“Many people don’t realize that feeding bread to ducks can actually harm them,” said Mayor Chris Fabry. “These signs can give our residents the right information.

“The implementation of QR codes lets them take the information back home with them so they can bring healthy alternatives on their next visit.”

Danielle Skowronski said that, throughout the duration of the project, she has noticed her daughter and Katie become more confident and independent. They were poised when presenting their project to the city council, she said.

“They knew there was a need, and tried to make it better,” she said.

Fabry said he was also proud of the Scouts’ efforts and confidence.

“I love seeing our youths take the lead on a project like this,” Fabry said. “These Scouts saw an issue, did their research and came up with a solution that makes our community better.”

Carrie Harris, Katie’s mother, complimented the project for its sustainability. The information and signage will last for years, she said.

“Before this, I didn’t know bread was bad for them,” Katie said. “I hope it spreads awareness and makes a difference.”