In the months that Canada geese fly north, you may still see flocks of them here and there. These particular groups are residential Canada geese. In the early 1900s, waterfowl hunters would captivate and breed geese(and ducks) as decoys for target practice. In a quick 5 years this was outlawed. When it was time for the Canada geese to be released, they didn't leave. This is because they simply did not have a desire to migrate.
The residential geese in your area will more than likely be there year round, no matter the weather change. It's hard to tell if you are looking at a flock of non-residential geese or not, because there aren't any physical differences between the two subspecies. The biggest differences are diet, migration and habitat. As stated earlier resident geese do not migrate. They really don't know how to because they have been in one environment since they were bred. Canada geese like to stay in the wetlands with vegetation and fields to harvest. Resident geese like these areas too, but they like their habitats populated by humans.
In these busy areas, the residential geese find food with ease. They munch on freshly laid grass seed, crops, waste grains, and graze upon pastures. Another place that is highly populated by residential geese are golf courses, recreational parks, grassy areas in neighborhoods, and cemeteries. In these areas the grass is always very well kept, and they feed on tiny soft growths from the grass being mowed. The non-residential geese usually stick to what they naturally eat which are small grains, underwater vegetation, sedges and other plants that grow by the wetlands.
So, if you were ever wondering why you see Canada geese year round, now you know. The residential geese problem will only increase due to our ideal living conditions. Our waters don't freeze for long and as long as there is water, they can stay warm. If you ever come across a group of canada geese on your property, give us a call. We have the solution!
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