Geese

Geese are a real problem at Llanerch. Over the years, we have tried many

techniques to move them off property. I think the first step is provide

information regarding the geese. I have taken the following description from

the Upper Dublin Township website:

Canada Goose Biology

There are 11 sub-species of the Canada goose. The sub-species causing us

concern in Branta Canadensi Maxima, the "Giant Canada goose." This group,

the largest of the sub-species, was thought to be extinct until re-discovered in the

late 1960's in Minnesota.

Great efforts were then made to re-establish the "Giant." The United States Fish

and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies and organizations such as Ducks

Unlimited started a massive breeding program at state and federal wildlife refuge

areas. Pairs of geese had their wings clipped, thereby allowing them to give birth

to and raise generations of young in one area. These offspring were then

imprinted to return each spring to their birth sites to raise their own generations of

young. Considered a huge success; we are now facing the effects of this program

Why have the geese lost their biological impulse to migrate? Besides protection

from game-hunters, the geese have been encouraged by the spread of suburban

developments, corporate parks and recreational sites. Canada geese prefer the

cut short, manicured grass found on golf courses and in parks and on lawns over

the wild tundra of Canada. These shorter grasses, besides providing a plentiful

source of food, afford the geese security -- they can better monitor predators with

the clearer views. Furthermore, the pools and ponds that normally accompany

these developments are perfect sources of still drinking water.

In a short time, the Canada goose learned that the environment created by

humans was much closer to "goose paradise" than they would ever experience in

Canada.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918 and the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 protect Canada geese.

The former, the implementation of a 1916 convention signed by the

United States and Canada, prohibits the hunting, possessing, purchasing and

exporting of migratory birds "or any part, or egg of such bird." The Migratory Bird

Conservation Act authorizes the funding and maintenance of wild migratory bird

refuges. State law also protects Canada geese.

That all being said, I have not stopped in my quest to remove them but I must follow the law. The problem has been increase by the development of displaced geese from the Quarry construction just down the street. I will update our next set of tactics soon.