Canada Geese Multiply in Rockland County

by M.C. Millman

With around 200,000 resident Canada geese in New York, it's hard to believe these birds were once almost extinct. 

In the early 1900's, local-nesting or "resident" Canada geese did not exist in New York. They are referred to as "resident" geese because they are generally permanent residents in the area they are found. Resident geese are descendants of captive populations and do not possess the natural inclination to migrate.

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), descendants of captive birds were released by private individuals in the Lower Hudson Valley and on Long Island. During the 1950's and 1960's, the State Conservation Department on Wildlife Management Areas released game farm geese in upstate New York to establish local flocks in huntable areas.

Resident geese populations are growing steadily in areas like Rockland County and beyond, where there is a lack of natural predators and no shortage of short grass, lakes, and ponds. Their steady growth rate is caused by comfortable weather conditions, which promote nesting and survival. Migratory populations experience harsh weather causing more ups and downs in their population.  

According to the DEC, most people find a few geese acceptable, but problems develop as local flocks grow, including

over-grazed lawns

accumulations of droppings and feathers on play areas and walkways

nutrient loading to ponds

public health concerns at beaches and drinking water supplies

aggressive behavior by nesting birds

safety hazards near roads and airports

Canada geese are an important part of the ecosystem, aiding other plants and animals. Geese droppings help disperse seeds and contribute to soil fertility by adding nutrients. They also play a role in the food chain, as adult geese, goslings, and eggs provide food to animals such as raccoons, foxes, snakes, and turtles. 

DEC biologists have concluded that a more acceptable number of resident geese in New York would be 85,000 birds or less. This number is based on the growing severity and frequency of complaints about geese. 

Even with the growing number of Canada geese, these game birds are federally protected. It is illegal to kill them outside of Canada goose hunting season. To hunt geese, residents need a hunting license and must register for the NY Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program.

Photo: Flickr