🦢 I Saw a Goose with a Broken Wing — And It Changed How I Feed Birds at the Park

     The other day, I went for a walk at my local park. It was peaceful — the kind of quiet morning that invites you to slow down. I wandered near the pond where families often gather, where ducks and geese paddle through the water and beg for crumbs at the shoreline.
That’s when I saw it.
     A lone goose, standing awkwardly near the water’s edge, its wing jutting out at a strange angle. At first, I thought it was injured — maybe it had been attacked or hit by something. But after a little research (and a heartbreaking rabbit hole of wildlife rescue websites), I learned the truth: this goose had angel wing.
💔 What Is Angel Wing?
      Angel wing is a deformity that affects waterfowl, usually during their growing stages. The wing feathers grow too fast, causing the wing to twist outward instead of lying flat. It looks unnatural—and it is. Birds with angel wing often can’t fly, which makes it harder for them to escape predators, migrate, or even survive.
What causes it?
Too often, bread is the culprit.
Well-meaning people—myself included—have fed ducks and geese bits of bread, thinking we were helping or just sharing a sweet moment. But I’ve since learned that feeding birds regular bread, especially white bread, is not just unhealthy—it can be devastating.
    🍞 Why Bread Hurts More Than It Helps
Bread may be filling, but it has almost no nutritional value for birds. When ducks and geese eat a lot of bread, they get full and stop foraging for the foods they actually need—things like aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. Over time, this poor diet can lead to malnutrition, deformities, and even disease.
And it doesn’t stop there:
• Angel wing can become permanent if the bird is still growing
• Rotting bread pollutes the pond and encourages algae blooms
• Leftover food attracts rats and other pests
• Crowds of birds competing for food can spread illness and fight among each other
In trying to be kind, we sometimes create exactly the opposite outcome.
    🥬 What to Feed Instead (If You Must)
If you're like me, it’s hard to walk past a duck or goose without wanting to share something. And while the best option is usually to let wildlife stay wild, there are safer alternatives if you want to offer them a treat:
• Frozen peas (thawed)
• Shredded lettuce or leafy greens (no dressing!)
• Cut grapes (halved to avoid choking)
• Oats or cracked corn
• Bird seed or duck pellets (sold at pet and farm stores)
Remember to offer food in moderation and scatter it on dry ground—not in the water—to keep their habitat clean.
      🧡 A Small Change, A Big Impact
Seeing that goose with angel wing broke my heart. It made me pause and reflect on how many of us were never taught the risks of feeding birds bread. It feels harmless.  It feels kind.  But kindness means learning better—and doing better.
      So the next time you visit the park and see those beautiful birds waddling your way, think twice before reaching for a slice of bread. Maybe bring some peas or lettuce instead. Or maybe just sit and enjoy their company without feeding them at all.   Because sometimes, the best way to love nature is to let it stay wild.
       Have you seen a bird with angel wing or signs of malnutrition at your local park? Share this post and help others learn how to protect our feathered neighbors.