Living With Waterfowl Neighbors
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned waterfowl (duck, goose or swan), learn what to do here!
Ducks, geese and swans are fun to enjoy at local parks and around your home, but keeping a respectful distance and understanding their behavior can go a long way in coexisting.
All migratory bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prevents the take (killing, capturing, selling, trading, etc.) of these species, their babies, eggs or nests.
What Should I Do if a Duck or Goose Is Nesting in My Yard?
Canada Geese and Mallards will usually nest where they can easily observe possible threats — somewhere flat and open. Even if the location does not seem ideal to you, trust the parents! Since ducks and geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, nests cannot be relocated. Luckily, eggs usually require incubation for about one month, then both the parents and young will move on. Parents may nest in the same location yearly, so taking steps to make your space less attractive to the species can prevent further inconvenience. Restricting access to water can make it less suitable for nesting in the following years.
How Can I Help a Family of Ducks or Geese Walking Along a Busy Road?
Waterfowl families will walk from their nesting site to the nearest body of water, even if it’s not obvious to people. Sometimes, this means crossing busy roads. Walking behind the group and signaling to other drivers can help minimize dangers and allow the family to travel safely. However, do not chase the birds, as it can cause the parents to fly away and the babies to scatter.
How Can I Save Baby Ducks or Geese That Are in My Pool?
Your first attempt should be the least intrusive method — raise the water level to the rim of the pool or provide a ramp (less than 45-degree angle). Then, ensure that the mother and babies have a safe exit route away from your pool. Do not feed them to lure them away, as it will only encourage the birds to stay. If the babies do not exit on the first attempt, you can use a pool skimmer to gently remove the babies from the pool. Collect the babies in a box, then reunite the box with the mother.
How Can I Help a Pair of Geese That Nested in a Commercial Area and Attack People?
Placing a temporary visual barrier between the nest and a walkway can prevent goose attacks. The barrier does not have to be solid but should be difficult to see through. Once the goslings have hatched and the family has left, you can remove the barrier.
Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!
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Resources
Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre