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Resident Canada Geese Remediation

Canada Geese

Daily Lawn Patrol

Many of our members have problems with Canada Geese and after doing some research we have found that there are several solutions available. One is low tech, one is hi tech… this is the low tech solution.

First a little CG background: The NYS population of resident mating pairs is estimated to be 250,000 or more. A goose produces about 1 lb of droppings per day. Resident geese are distinct from the migratory geese that breed in northern Canada. They are not just migrant birds that stopped flying north to breed. They begin breeding when they are 2-3 years old and lay an average of 5-6 eggs per nest per year. (18 x 5=90 young/hen!) In late Feb, pairs begin nesting. Egg laying (1-2 wks) and incubation (about 4 wks) generally extends thru April. {The above info from NYSDEC div of Fish, Wildlife, et al, publication “When Geese Become a Problem”}

Here is our low technology solution #1

There is a Federal Nest and Egg Depredation Order that authorizes any landowner, homeowner’s association, or local government and their employees or agents to take nests or eggs of Canada Geese without a federal permit.The only requirement is that all persons wishing to work under this order must register online with the US Fish and Wildlife Service before any nests or eggs are taken.

Rather than destroy nests or eggs, it is highly advised that we “oil” the eggs with corn oil. This keeps the hen on the eggs that won’t hatch, rather than allow her to renest somewhere else and lay new eggs. This plan works in several ways: First, we are reducing the number of goslings. Second, geese without young are more easily repelled from a site after nesting season. Yes, it is a gradual solution, but with an enthusiastic response on all our creeks and ponds, in a few seasons, we may have a geriatric goose population!

The nice thing is that this is not a big deal.It is a SPRING PROJECT, basically the mating season in March This website can facilitate communicating the nest locations to those oiling eggs. If you want to participate in oiling eggs you can only register after Jan. 1, 2009. (But you can go to the site and read all about it) at

https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR

You will see a warning: the security certificate for this website is out of date, etc..ignore it and click on “go to this website.”  Please, all who register, also join the goose forum on this site. This site can be the facilitating agent to advise where nests are, and who is oiling them. Remember that you must report at the end of the season, the number of eggs oiled.

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