OVER-EAGER bird lovers are sending Coombeswood Canal Trust members quakers by feeding Hawne's basin's treasured ducks the wrong type of food.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Hawne Basin in May for the Coombeswood Canal Trust open weekend but organisers are pleading for visitors not to kill the local ducks with kindness.

The Hawne ducks are a popular attraction but can get overfed by well meaning visitors who give them unsuitable food like white bread.

Martin O’Keeffe, CCT publicity officer, said: "One of the attractions of the local waterways is the wild life and wild fowl and many will come along to the canal especially to feed the ducks as it is an enjoyable family pastime as the ducks love to be fed.

"Unfortunately white bread the traditional food for our feathered friends is not always the best for them so if you are coming to our open weekend at Hawne Basin we will be encouraging you to bring the ducks healthier treats."

Too much white bread can leave ducks feeling "bulked out", undernourished and struggling to fly away from predators.

Mr O'Keefe added: "We now recommending a variety of food including cooked rice, peas and sweetcorn, as well as grapes and torn up lettuce. Bird seeds will also find favour with the wild fowl."

The Hawne Basin open weekend is a free event held over the weekend of May 9 and 10.

Mr O’Keeffe added: "The open weekend showcases the work of the Coombeswood Canal Trust as well as providing an enjoyable visit for all the family, with a variety of entertainment, activities and stalls.

"Boat trips will be available and are always very popular.

"Local musicians will be performing over the course of the weekend and we hope to have some very special extra events this year, on the Saturday a demonstration of a horse drawn narrowboat whilst on the Sunday there will be birds of prey on display."

The Coombeswood Canal Trust was established to stimulate public interest in and appreciation of the history, structure and beauty of the Dudley Number 2 Canal.

For more information about the Coombeswood Canal Trust visit www.hawnebasin.org or email coombeswood@btconnect.com.