Kids who throw rocks at ducks (or near ducks)

[desertdarlene]

I was wondering how other people would handle confronting kids about throwing rocks at or near ducks at a lake. There are always kids throwing rocks in the lake, but one boy actually threw one that I think hit a duck or came very close. One boy said to the other "you have to wait until they get very close. . ." I told them to stop as that wasn't nice to do and their mom called them back, but then she got defensive and said that they weren't throwing the rocks at the duck, but I told her they hit that one. She said that she was looking right at it and it didn't get hit by a rock. I told her that I was closer and could see it.

Later, I came up to her and told her that I was upset because of someone having their duckling killed by children and it bothered me a little more than usual, so I wasn't trying to fight with her. I did tell her that there was a fine or something like that and I didn't want her to get in trouble. So, basically, I let it go as I didn't see the boys doing it after I said something and the duck seemed OK and even came up to me, though it left later on. They actually were feeding the ducks, but in between, chucking large rocks in the water. It's possible that they didn't mean to throw that rock at that duck because they're young and uncoordinated.

So, I was wondering what's a nice, non-confrontational way to talk to kids and their parents about throwing rocks at ducks. I hate to see it so much that I don't come to the lake at certain times because there always seems to be a kid doing that during the afternoon. I don't like getting in fights, but I can't stand ducks getting hurt like that.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Sounds like you handled it pretty well. I think the lady was likely more embarassed than angry at you. Maybe because she wasn't watching her kids close enough. I have been on the recieving end of an embarassed parent who wasn't watching their kid as well...7 year old was THROWING her diapered 2 ish year old baby brother down a tall slide..I said something, the mom got mad, told her she should be watching them before the baby got hurt. She did for the rest of the night. I don't mind folks getting angry with me if it will keep an innocent child...or duck for that matter a little safer

Good job! I always try to remember the old saying about "good people doing nothing"...that IMO would be a shameful thing for me to watch and not do or say SOMETHING even at risk of being yelled at or having a confrontation. It's worth the hassle to me.

 

[desertdarlene]

Thanks!

It just makes me really nervous to say anything because you never know how the parents (or the children) will react. I also don't want to be oversensitive or over-reactive. Generally, I let it go if they don't come close to hitting or hurting a duck or coot or if their parents move the children on without anything happening. Most of the ducks tend to avoid children because of things like this (it frustrates some children because the ducks often don't come close enough for them to feed). But, this family was feeding them, too, which was bringing them in closer and I heard what those boys said which made me more concerned.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
Thats right.

 

[geebs]

I simply yell "hey knock it off" and if they don't I find a parent and explain the ins and outs of animal abuse and their role as examples to their offspring. No problem!!! I am not afraid to take up on a helpless animals behalf...It just isn't good training to let children think that their behavior is acceptable....I wouldn't be a good steward to stand by and let them escalate into something they would regret.

 

[duckluck]

Quote:
Good answer! I know I'd go it one better if they didn't quit and I'd call the cops or the DNR. It ain't pretty trying to argue with the DNR...heard of people who have tried, and they've gotten deeper into the soup every time.

 

[Goat_Walker]

Well.... im not a very nice person when it comes to little kids doing such naughty things... If its a younger kid then i confront the parent. But if its a teen then i confront them myself. Of course usually if my polite voice doesnt work they get a bath. Of course thats just me. and i do suggest trying to be polite and productive in any and all situations.

 

[NoelTate]

I would have yelled at them and told them to get away from the ducks before someone throws a rock at them and loudly asked where was their mother anyway and complained loudly about what kind of sorry, trashy, no good parent would teach their children it was ok to do that sort of thing and how some people should not be allowed to have children. Of course, I'm not as nice as some people. I think it's the teacher in me. I've seen too many children that no one bothered to teach any values or decent behavior.

 

[desertdarlene]

Wow, I wouldn't want to mess with any of you!

I like to be low-key in my approach because I have to make sure I don't get "banned" from visiting that lake. I seem to be a person who always gets punished for reacting to other people's wrongdoings. I depend on this lake for my blog because that's where my killdeer family live. I wish there was some kind of authority I could go to there or if a friend would go with me when I visit. Our city is having big financial problems right now so we don't have a ranger or any law enforcement presence there. Most issues are handled by citizens or neighborhood watches. We had a ranger once when there were some major problems with people poaching and hurting animals and we had some police presence when there was a lot of car break-ins, but that was a while back.

I used to work in a library, so I've had to deal with defensive parents in the past. It was one of my least favorite things about the job.

 

[onthespot]

I'm with geebs. I'd holler and tell the kids to scram, go ream their mother too. If she gave me any lip I'd dial 911 and report her and her kids, from about three feet away and see how lippy she stays. The'd get up and go, and think twice about letting it happen again.