One of the highlights of my workday is my midday 5K walk in the park. With a sitting job, moving around is essential, and this walk helps me meet my step goals while providing a much-needed mental reset.
The park is particularly beautiful, especially around the small pond where the ducks gather. Every day, I pass by, observing them swim, waddle, and occasionally squabble over scraps. There’s something incredibly soothing about their presence—the way they glide effortlessly across the water and sunbathe on the shore is both calming and relaxing.
Just yesterday, the ducks decided to waddle over and say hello! I wasn’t prepared for their friendly approach, especially since I didn’t have any food with me. Not that I would feed them anyway; I believe wild animals should find their own food naturally.
These walks not only help me stay active but also allow me to reconnect with nature. The fresh air invigorates me, and the peaceful scenery calms my mind. The playful charm of the ducks adds an extra layer of joy to my day, making this part of my routine something I genuinely look forward to.
If you have a sitting job like mine, I highly recommend finding a local park for a daily walk. It’s a great way to get your steps in while taking time to unwind and appreciate the little things—like ducks in the park.
Do you feed wild animals? I’m curious to hear your thoughts!
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
No, I don’t feed the ducks either. I only feed the Hummingbirds in the Spring and Summer, and during the winter I put a Suet feeder for the birds to help supplement their diets as bugs and seeds are a lot scarcer then.
I’ve found it interesting that up in Reno a lot of the parks have signs up now saying they only allow lettuce or peas to be fed to the ducks in the ponds. No more bread! I think that’s a good idea.
What will you do during the winter for your walks? I bought a Treadmill so I can get in at least a mile a day in the winter and found I am using it all year long.
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That’s a great plan! I’m hoping to do more outdoor walks in winter too, though I’ll probably need to find a backup plan for when it’s too icy. A treadmill sounds like a smart option—I have one too – more like a walk pad. I’m curious if it helps you stick to your routine year-round! Mine – isn’t!
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I don’t walk as far on the treadmill as I do when out in the street or hills. It’s boring even watching TV I’m bored after 2 miles and ready to get off it.
Also, I didn’t get one that inclines and declines. I’m not a gym gal so wasn’t sure I’d actually use the Treadmill so I went basic. It was a mistake. I should have bought one that inclines and declines. I like the workout hill climbs give my body. That being said I use my treadmill 2-4 times a week. I use it on the days I’m feeling lazy and don’t go out for a walk, or I’ve been busy and didn’t have time to get a walk in outside. I’ve definitely got my money worth on it and I’ll replace it when it dies…hopefully several years from now, but I’ll upgrade to one that inclines and declines.
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I use a slow setting while working on a computer. Or a bit faster one when watching a movie 🙂 Motivation to walk – if you wanna watch a movie – walk! But I’m overweight and a slow walker…. I need to start somewhere 🙂
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My sister back home in Michigan is a life-long birder and recommends feeding peas if you must feed them. Bread has zero nutritional value for birds. Are you in Las Vegas too?
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No, I’m northern Nevada south of Reno in a town called Minden.
Your sister and I have birds in common! Is she going to do the upcoming Big Day? I’m planning to.
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Sorry, I don’t know what big day you are referring to. I feed the hummers in my backyard year round, I love them! I can’t use a seed feeder because of the flying rats, AKA Rock Pigeons. Nasty birds. I’ve never drove up to Reno after ten years in Las Vegas, it’s too far! And, much colder than Las Vegas. My sister knows what bird she is hearing, knows all the calls I guess!
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The Big Day is an all day birding thing alone, or with people going places or staying home and recording your bird sightings on eBird.org. Your sister probably knows all about it.
I haven’t been to Vegas since I went there on a University housing scouting trip when my son was thinking about going to UNLV for grad school. He chose San Diego instead. He loved it there so much he made SoCal his permanent home! 😒
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Thanks for the info! I take it you don’t like California, I sure don’t for many reasons.
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Same, also for many reasons.
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Just put one foot in front of the other. Slow or fast just walk is what my Doctor told me.
For a heart workout I use one of the interval programs on my treadmill so it sort of mimics walking up hill but, not really because I’m walking at a much faster pace on the treadmill verses huffing and puffing slower uphill. I’m not a runner so I don’t go faster than 3.8mph on mine. At 4mph you’re running! On the street and doing a hill climb I average 3 mph. I carry a little Garmin computer that tell me all the stats. I like knowing the stats.
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I also like to know my stats!
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