Canada geese males and females look alike. Adults grow to be between 2 to 3 feet tall and between 10 and 12 pounds. They have a greyish-coloured body with a long black neck and head and their faces have white cheek patches. Both sub-species can vary in size. Canada geese are the larger of the sub-species that nest mainly inland and southerly.
Why They are View as a Pest
Canada Geese can be found throughout Ontario. They are typically migratory birds, however some geese have adapted very well to southerly climates in several areas and these geese are commonly referred to as ‘’resident’’ geese. They nest and breed in and around residential, recreational/cottage and commercial properties and they have a rather large breeding capacity. Areas of concern include farmlands, airports, urban parks, golf courses, schools, cemeteries and residential properties, especially those that offer a lot of open green space near wetlands.
Once geese have established their nests, encouraging them to leave an area can be difficult. Because their population numbers tend to increase in subsequent years, geese can cause a variety of problems. They can damage and compress grass, plants, and crops and erode soil in parks, golf courses and other green spaces. Goose droppings can cause major aesthetic damage and foul walking paths, golf courses, parks, green space, docks, beaches and lawns and may contribute to contamination of nearby water with parasites and coliform bacteria. Geese will protect their nests and goslings and can become highly aggressive towards humans or animals. They are also attracted to sensitive areas such as airports and can increase the risk of damage or danger and compromise air safety.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of geese nesting and breeding around your property, bird proofing/exclusion is the best prevention.
Solace Bird Solutions can provide you with many bird proofing/exclusion services and solutions.
