Management of Canada Geese in Suburban Areas
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Management of Canada Geese in Suburban Areas A Guide to the Basics DRAFT NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Watershed Management March, 2001 DRAFT Management of Canada Geese in Suburban Areas A Guide to the Basics State of New Jersey Donald T. DiFrancesco, Acting Governor New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Robert C. Shinn, Jr., Commissioner Division of Watershed Management Mary Sheil, Director Acknowledgement: This guidance document consists of a compilation of the most current available information. Consult the reference section for sources. The document does not reflect an official policy position of the Division, but rather serves to provide basic technical guidance on Canada goose management options. 1 DRAFT Introduction Many people do not realize that ‘Giant’ Canada goose populations The honking flock of Canada geese were nearly non existent by the early overhead brings an internal years of the 1900’s because of recognition of nature’s intelligence unrestricted harvesting of eggs, and the timeless changing of the draining of wetlands for crop seasons. The high altitude, production, and commercial hunting. gracefully shifting ‘V’ formation Strict harvest regulations were always is a source of wonder. Years enacted, refuges were established, ago, these sights and sounds were large acreages of turfgrass were the primary evidence of the flocks. established through human sprawl, and goose populations recovered In many locations along the Atlantic rapidly and dramatically. It is ironic Flyway, which extends from that we did our job so well that now Hudson’s Bay, Canada south to reducing the populations is a critical Mexico, Canada geese are not water quality concern. abundant. But in New Jersey and several other northeastern states, This manual provides the most times have changed. In many areas, current effective methods known for resident or non-migrating ‘Giant’ reducing the impacts ‘Giant’ Canada Canada goose populations are geese can have on a specific site or increasing dramatically. In fact, water body. The reader should some population projections indicate understand that no single method that the numbers of non-migrating will be successful in every situation Canada geese may double in the and the best approach likely will be a next six years. combination thereof. Canada geese are highly adaptable and possess a Many people enjoy the sight of a few short learning curve. Size of the geese. The problems begin when resident flock, site conditions, the numbers of non-migrating birds adjacent land use and social increase, including: acceptance all will impact the flock - overgrazing of turfgrass, which control choices available. impacts aesthetics and creates an erosion hazard Management recommendations - grazing of cropland, increasing in this Guide are referring erosion hazard and crop losses throughout to the resident - accumulations of fecal material ‘Giant’ Canada goose. on land, creating a health risk - degraded water quality, from fecal bacteria and elevated nitrogen and phosphorous - hazards to aircraft at airports - attacks on humans 2 DRAFT Chapter One: Understanding the in diameter, and lined with soft down Resident Canada Goose originating from the female’s breast. Along with proximity to water, the other critical nest location factor is having a good view of the The Canada Goose, (Branta surroundings, for predators. Egg canadensis) usually begins nesting at laying usually follows immediately three years of age. Pairs usually after the nest is constructed. An egg stay together for life unless one dies. is laid about every two days. If that should occur, the other usually will find a new mate within the same breeding season. Since geese can live as long as 20 years, there are many offspring produced by a pair. ‘Giant’ Canada Geese differ from the seasonally migrating ‘Interior’ Canada goose. These birds can be up to six pounds heavier, adapted to urban environments, tolerant of humans, and have a very limited migration range. Currently, the number of resident Canada geese is estimated at 83,000. Geese taking flight These birds have two basic 4 to 7 eggs make up a typical clutch requirements: fresh water for and incubation is done completely by drinking, resting, nesting and escape the female. The male will stand from predators; and tender, closely and defend the female by succulent vegetation for food. The striking with its wings and nipping. plentiful, highly managed lawns of The incubation period is 25-30 days. residential neighborhoods, corporate Interestingly, incubation does not office campuses, golf courses, parks, begin until all of the eggs are laid, so and some airports provide preferred that all goslings hatch the same day. habitats for these birds. If the nest or eggs are destroyed, Canada geese nest within 100 feet of Canada geese will likely re-nest in open water - usually directly the same spot. However, timing is adjacent. In New Jersey, nesting critical when re-nesting is concerned. occurs in mid-April. The nest If the eggs or nest are lost more consists of a large mound of than one week after the start of vegetation such as grass and incubation, re-nesting may not cattails, is concave, nearly two feet occur. The newly hatched goslings 3 DRAFT are led to water within one day after Adult Canada geese undergo a hatching. complete replacement of their feathers (molting) starting each The gander’s behavior changes June, and it lasts about 30-35 days. markedly after hatching. He During the molting period, the birds previously would have chased off are unable to fly and are vulnerable. any other geese in the area. Now, During this period, roundup and ‘overnight’ he becomes much more capture of small flocks of geese is tolerant of them. In fact, if there possible. happen to be other clutches of goslings nearby, they will often Migration of Canada geese nesting in group together in flocks and be the United States covers relatively looked after by the adults. short distances, usually not At 10 weeks, the goslings can fly, extending past adjoining states. and begin to adopt most of the adult Smaller, Canadian-nesting breeds behavioral characteristics. will migrate south after August 30 to the northern states. Some of these Canada geese are grazers. As such, migrating birds will temporarily join they have a clear preference for urban resident flocks in New Jersey, tender, mowed and fertilized turf greatly swelling their numbers. This grasses. They prefer to feed in large can create a sudden negative impact open areas with few obstructions on the local plant and water that give a 360° view of potential resources. predators. These birds have a high tolerance for humans and adapt Canada geese have a remarkable quickly. Thus, the perfect feeding homing instinct, returning each year spot that meets all requirements of to the previous nesting site if it was the geese is a nice, green, managed to their liking. This, coupled with lawn area near water…conditions their typically long lifespan, many humans prefer. Hence, the compounds the problem of goose- problem. related water quality trouble spots. Geese browsing stormwater basin 4 DRAFT Chapter Two: Methods to create a highly emotionally charged Manage Canada Geese in atmosphere. In extreme situations, Suburban Areas law enforcement personnel can be necessary to preserve public safety if Generally, the best approach to a confrontation is anticipated suburban goose management between the public and the goose amounts to a combination of management team. methods- an integrated approach. When choosing appropriate methods, three important factors need to be considered: - the characteristics at the site that attract geese (food, water, secure nesting) - the human attitudes and behaviors that attract and protect the geese - laws and regulations A management approach is devised based on reducing the preferred site characteristics. This usually means Algae from excess phosphorous altering human behavior while being respectful toward attitudes. Without Usually, the first step in reducing this approach, a control program is these types of conflicts is education. destined for failure. Many people are completely unaware of the environmental degradation that can result from dense non- The Human Element migrating Canada goose populations. A second step that has been Public attitudes toward geese often successful is the establishment of conflict, juxtaposing environmental citizen task forces. These groups needs with personal belief systems provide a means for concerned regarding wildlife protection and stakeholders to become actively welfare. Suburban areas contain involved in educating others and increased populations, and different shaping the management strategy. groups will define ‘nuisance’ from geese differently. People have The actual goose management team differing tolerances for goose charged with developing and droppings, noise, vegetation implementing the control strategy damage, fouled waters, and should be adept at responding to the occasionally aggressive behavior. public in a non-defensive and Any method that involves destruction positive way. They should be able to of birds, eggs, or nests will often clearly explain (bilingually, if 5 DRAFT necessary) the reason for the control In most cases, it has been learned actions. Permits must be present on that there is no single control the site at the time of strategy method that will work every time, implementation. These people, who everywhere. There may have to be will usually be agency personnel, a combination of short term and long should have clear guidance from term controls in order to have a their agency and an experienced successful program. Additionally, local leader at the sites where the methods may be designed to population management measures address an existing problem and to will take place. prevent a future one from occurring. An existing goose problem should be evaluated similar to agricultural integrated pest management. The goose management team should determine the ‘damage threshold’. That is, the number of geese or the extent of environmental impact that is sufficient to warrant the implementation of controls.