Auckland Council Issues Urgent Reminder: Stop Feeding the Birds at Western Springs

Auckland Council warns that feeding bread to waterfowl causes "Angel Wing" and avian botulism. Learn why protecting the park's ecosystem means skipping the snacks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 3:53 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Junk Food" Effect: Angel Wing and Malnutrition

While feeding ducks bread has long been a staple of family weekend outings, experts warn it acts as "junk food" for birds. Bread is high in carbohydrates but lacks the essential vitamins and minerals native birds need. This nutritional deficiency leads to a condition known as "Angel Wing," where the last joint on a bird's wing twists outward. In mature birds, this deformity is irreversible, stripping them of their ability to fly and ultimately proving fatal. The park's natural environment already provides a sufficient, balanced diet for its inhabitants, making human intervention unnecessary and harmful.

Avian Botulism and Water Quality

Imogen Bassett, head of Auckland Council's Natural Environment Specialist Services, highlights a more immediate threat: avian botulism. When bread and other uneaten food items rot in the waterways, they deplete oxygen levels and foster toxic conditions. This can trigger outbreaks of botulism, a disease that causes paralysis and a distressing death for birds. Furthermore, the excess nutrients in the water encourage the growth of algae and support invasive species like koi carp and turtles, which predate on native plants and animals, further destabilizing the delicate ecosystem.

Artificial Populations and Rodent Attraction

Feeding birds doesn't just make them sick; it artificially inflates their population beyond what the park can naturally support. This leads to increased aggression among waterfowl and overcrowding. Additionally, leftover food attracts high populations of rats and other rodents. These pests pose a direct threat to the ecosystem by preying on the eggs of native birds, creating a cycle of decline for the species visitors are trying to enjoy.