Egg Oiling
In addition to relocation, Town staff are employing an overall goose management program. Egg oiling to control the population of resident geese, turf sweeping, and habitat modification are other programs that focus on dealing with the overpopulation of Canada Geese along Oakville's waterfront. The egg oiling program, undertaken by parks staff for more than ten years, concentrates on nests located along the Lake Ontario shoreline, Oakville and Bronte Harbours, and along the Sixteen, Fourteen and Twelve Mile Creeks.
What to look for:
Here are some things to be aware of when you are looking for Canada geese nesting sites on your property.
- The onset of nesting activity usually begins in early April.
- Typically, Canada geese return to their natal site to breed (probably the site at which they learned to fly). A pair will likely nest in the same spot every year, so if you had nests last year, chances are you will see them again this year in the same area.
- A strong base and good visibility appear to be nest site requirements, as well as a safe place to raise broods (usually open water) and ample nearby forage.
- Canada geese usually build their nests on the ground in low vegetation near open water.
- Preferred nesting sites include small islands in ponds and along the banks of bodies of water, and sometimes they use beaver houses or the nests of other birds such as ospreys, hawks, owls, and herons.
- Nests are constructed of grasses, twigs, bark, leaves, and mosses. The diameter of the nests can range from 37 to 110 cm. (15 to 44 inches).
- Males are very protective of the nests. A male that hisses and beats his wings when you approach may be protecting a nest.
What you can do
A mown lawn to the waters edge provides an attractive habitat for geese. One modification may be to allow more native vegetation, including longer grasses right at the waters edge.
Geese Relocation
The relocation of geese from Lakeside Park, Coronation Park and Bronte Harbour works to control the overpopulation of "moult migrants" who arrive in the late spring to shed their flight feathers and grow new ones. The overpopulation of geese which defecate, loaf and graze on park and private property, reduce the use and enjoyment of parks and many private yards primarily during the summer months. Relocation reduces the goose/human conflict.
Geese should also not be fed. Feeding encourages more animals and increases the likelihood of breeding.
For more information, call (905) 845-6601 ext. 3076 or or e-mail jdevenish@oakville.ca.
