Geese and Ducks
Yes, ducks and geese are beautiful, majestic and can be fun to watch. However, they do create issues in, on and around bodies of surface water (lakes, rivers, ponds and streams). They might be nice to look at but they are a problem.
Canada geese are part of the natural landscape in Massachusetts. In fact the population has absolutely exploded of the last decade. These birds are mostly migratory, however in recent years there are more that are becoming non-migratory and they are nesting and staying year round. The growth of this population has been phenomenal. The geese have found paradise in and around waterbodies throughout the Commonwealth. With few predators and abundant grass lands immediately adjacent to the water. So, geese do pose an environmental hazard, destructive nature, risk and do damage to the waters and surrounding vegetation.
A goose will eat around 4 pounds of grass or vegetation daily, which they rip the grass and roots from the ground reducing the grass vegetation. This can lead to an increase in runoff into the water body. Additionally, this results in the production of 2 to 4 pounds of manure per goose per day. This equals one goose producing around 1,000 pounds of manure per year. The waste from Canada geese is high in phosphorous, which is the limiting nutrient in aquatic environments. The increased level of phosphorous results in excessive aquatic plant growth, increased alga blooms and overall degrades water quality.
It is important to try to manage or eliminate the population in order to prevent further damage to the surface waters. The key to controlling nuisance flocks of ducks and geese is promptness and persistence.
Canada geese are protected by the Migratory Bird Act. This doesn’t mean you can’t shoo them away or use artificial devices to deter them. Visual deterrents like predator decoys (alligators, coyotes), reflective tape, and motion-activated sprinklers can be effective. Physically blocking access with fencing or dense landscaping can also help. Additionally, repellent sprays with methyl anthranilate (a grape-based irritant) can make vegetation unappealing to geese.