We're excited to announce a new addition to our lakefront amenities – a dedicated wildlife feeder that provides nutritious food for our resident ducks, turtles, wading birds, and fish. This installation represents our commitment to protecting and nurturing the wildlife that makes our community special.
As you know, SC6 is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes literally in our backyards! Wildlife sightings are common and on any given day you can witness a variety of waterfowl and wading birds like wood ducks, mallards, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibises, and wood storks as well as a few varieties of turtles.
Many of us have fond memories of feeding bread to ducks, but research has shown that this seemingly innocent activity can actually harm both the wildlife and their habitat.
Here's why bread and other human foods are problematic:
Bread provides little nutritional value for waterfowl, leading to malnutrition even when ducks appear well-fed
Uneaten bread pollutes the water, promoting algae growth and affecting water quality
Regular bread feeding can cause overcrowding, increasing disease transmission among birds
Bread can contribute to a condition called "angel wing" in young waterfowl, causing wing deformities
Excess bread attracts unwanted pests and can create unsanitary conditions around our lake.
Benefits of the New Feeder
Our new feeder dispenses specially formulated wildlife food that:
Contains the proper balance of nutrients waterfowl need to thrive
Is designed to float on the water's surface, making it easy for ducks to spot and consume
Is suitable for multiple species, including ducks, turtles, and other shore and wading birds
Dissolves properly in water, preventing pollution and maintaining water quality
Helps wildlife maintain their natural foraging behaviors
Provides appropriate portion sizes to prevent overcrowding
How to Use the Feeder
The feeder is located at the lakefront and is regularly maintained and refilled.
To use the feeder:
Turn the handle gently to dispense a small amount of food
Scatter the food on the water's surface or nearby ground
Observe the recommended feeding amounts posted on the feeder
Working Together for Wildlife
By transitioning to this proper wildlife food, we're not just feeding the animals – we're protecting their health and habitat. We encourage all residents to use the new feeder instead of bringing bread or human food to the lake. This small change in our habits will have a significant positive impact on our local ecosystem.
If you'd like to learn more about wildlife care or have questions about the feeder, please contact SC6HOA@pm.me. Thank you for helping us create a healthier environment for our cherished wildlife neighbors!
Wonderful 🤗