How can waterfowl become poisoned by lead shot and fishing sinkers?

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A periodic table element box for lead (Pb) shows atomic number 82, atomic weight 207.2, electron configuration, and labels for symbol, name, crystal structure, and physical state, with a legend for color and symbol meanings. — lead Properties of lead.

Waterfowl, such as geese and loons, become poisoned by lead shot and fishing sinkers primarily through ingestion. These birds may consume the lead objects while foraging in their environment, mistaking them for food or grit. Once ingested, the lead accumulates in the animal's body tissues, leading to systemic damage that affects the nervous, renal, and gastrointestinal systems.1

This exposure is a significant health threat to wildlife, as the metal eventually settles in the soft tissues and bones, causing symptoms that range from lethargy and loss of appetite to seizures, anemia, and, in severe cases, death.1