In a recent discovery by park officials in Maine, a concerning malformation has been identified in geese due to excessive carb consumption.
Angel Wings Syndrome
, as it is known, causes the last joint of the wing to twist, leading to feathers pointing away from the body. This deformity makes the geese unable to migrate, posing a severe threat to their lives.
According to wildlife experts, the primary cause of
Angel Wings
is the feeding of waterfowl with a diet high in carbohydrates, proteins, and bread by people visiting parks. Liz Collado, the Portland supervising park ranger, highlighted the impact of processed foods on the health of geese, emphasizing the importance of a natural diet.
Maine Audubon naturalist Doug Hitchcox addressed the issue of bad nutrition leading to deformities, particularly affecting male birds. To prevent such deformities, signs prohibiting feeding geese and ducks have been posted in Portland and South Portland parks, where these birds are commonly found.
Hitchcox explained that improper nutrition results in the rapid growth of feathers compared to the bones, resulting in the distinctive
angel wing shape
. To promote the well-being of waterfowl, parkgoers are advised to feed them healthier options like kale, lettuce, seeds, and grapes in moderation.
Despite the remarkable recovery of Canada geese populations in Maine after being overhunted, the fatal nature of the deformities caused by
Angel Wings
remains a significant concern. Officials from the Portland Parks Department emphasized the importance of refraining from feeding birds in parks to prevent such tragedies.
Collado urged the public to be mindful of the well-being of the geese, suggesting that responsible actions will ensure the continued presence of these birds in the parks. While some birds with deformities can be rehabilitated through various methods such as wrapping the wings or surgery, prevention through proper nutrition is the most effective strategy to safeguard the health of waterfowl.