Adults of both populations do not breed until three years of age. These two populations nest in Canada and migrate south for the winter. Migratory populations are the Atlantic Population and the Southern James Bay Population. Canada geese in Pennsylvania consist of both migratory and nonmigratory populations. Canada GeeseĬanada geese mate for life, with both parents caring for, and aggressively protecting, their young. Normally waterfowl roost on open water at night. However, they may feed at night if their normal daytime habits are disturbed. Swans eat aquatic plants, and geese eat a variety of terrestrial grasses.Īll species will come on land to feed, typically twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon. Mallards are primarily filter feeders and will consume almost anything edible. Second, they must have a suitable open feeding area that provides a place to land, has good visibility of the surrounding territory, and has abundant tender young grass and other vegetation for feeding. First, they need a permanent body of water on which to land, escape, rest, and roost. Waterfowl have two primary habitat requirements. This fact sheet provides information on controlling damage caused by Canada geese, ducks, and swans. For example, one pair of geese can, in five to seven years, easily become 50 to 100 birds that foul ponds and damage lawns, golf courses, and crops. A lack of predators, decreased opportunities for waterfowl hunting, food handouts, and landscapes consisting of large expanses of turfgrass have provided ideal conditions for these birds.Īlthough most people find a few ducks or geese acceptable, waterfowl populations can quickly get out of hand.
However, because of recent dramatic increases in waterfowl populations, these birds have become a nuisance in some places. The fall flights of geese and swans in their characteristic "V"-flock formation are familiar and welcome signs of the changing seasons. These birds are enjoyed by millions of people each year, whether they are bird-watchers, hunters, or just those who appreciate their presence. Geese, ducks, and swans have always been a treasured natural resource in Pennsylvania. One pair of geese can, in five to seven years, easily become 50 to 100 birds that foul ponds and damage lawns, golf courses, and crops. Although most people find a few ducks or geese acceptable, waterfowl populations can quickly get out of hand.
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