(Don’t) Feed The Birds: Disneyland’s Ducks and Feathered Friends

Donald and Daisy aren’t the only birds you’ll encounter when you visit Disneyland. In fact, Disneyland is a bird paradise – so many quiet, undisturbed waterways, from the castle moat to the waters surrounding Pacific Wharf. The waters with passing boats, like the Rivers of America or Storybook Land canal, still give feathered friends plenty of room to swim, play, and nap unbothered by people. If you know where to look, you can actually add some birdwatching to your itinerary!

In the springtime, you’ll see plenty of ducks at the Main Street hub, in Frontierland, and in Fantasyland. When mama ducks start exploring with their little chicks, Disneyland assigns a security guard to protect them and help them cross the busier pathways.

The best places in these areas to spot ducks are on the Storybook Land Canal Boats, in the waters surrounding Frontierland’s main entrance, and at the Main Street hub by the Frontierland and Adventureland bridges. Once in a while, you’ll also see some ducks resting in the Rancho del Zocalo patio area. Over in California Adventure, the ducks population is smaller, but I’ve seen some in Pacific Wharf’s waters and once in a while along the beaches of Paradise Gardens Park.

For bigger birdwatching, you’ll have to visit the Rivers of America. Depending on the season, you’ll see all kinds of different birds swimming, hanging out on floating barrels, and watching the passing canoes and ships. You might wonder if some of these birds are animatronics, but rest assured…they’re all real.

One thing that’s really important to remember: please DO NOT feed Disneyland’s birds with your Disneyland snacks. The ducks in particular are very cute, but popcorn and french fries are not staples in their diet. Cast members do their best to protect the birds, but they obviously can’t catch everything. Respect your feathered friends from afar – and leave them alone!