HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-05-20, Page 15Geese problem needs permanent solution
I have a confession to make.
I am not a big fan of Canada
geese and I have the scars to prove
why.
Many years ago while on a fam-
ily outing to Toronto Island I tan-
gled with two adult geese which
left me bleeding and fearful of our
national bird for the rest of my life.
I will go out of my way to stay clear
of them.
That's why it was no surprise to
me to learn that Canada geese are
posing not just health risks and wa-
ter quality issues to beaches and
parks, but that they also pose a
safety hazard.
When geese lose their ability to
migrate, they do so because they
are finding food and nesting areas
in regions where normally they his-
torically have not.
Instead, thanks in part to individ-
uals who feed them, Canada geese
are wintering in more northern cli-
mates and becoming less afraid of
people to the point of becoming ag-
gressive.
With an exploding goose popu-
lation the human/goose confron-
tations are predicted to increase
while the tolerance for the birds
will decrease.
Dealing with a problem goose
population is becoming a challenge
for many communities across Can-
ada and in the United States, where
last January we saw what Canada
geese did in New York when Flight
1549 was forced to ditch into the
Hudson River.
Goderich has had its own chal-
lenges with geese at the beach.
Past local efforts at controlling
the geese at the beach include shak-
ing the eggs so they will not hatch,
relocating the birds
to a nearby marsh,
predator kites and
3D fake coyotes.
Some municipali-
ties and golf courses
use dogs to chase
the geese away. This
has proven effective
because the dogs are
there at the same time
every single day so
that the birds eventu-
ally stay away.
Unfortunately
it has also proved
deadly for some dogs
which are drowned
by the geese when
they chase them into
shallow water.
While our meth-
ods all worked for
the short term, our
beaches and water-
front parks are still
routinely plagued by
the geese.
"Actually, when
our town saw an
influx of foxes and
coyotes last year
they controlled the
goose problem. Letting
nature take its course is
the most natural solution,
but there's no guaran-
tee that the coyotes and
foxes will return, plus
coyote and fox present
another set of problems
to the community", said
Goderich Environmen-
tal Services Technologist
Jennette Walker.
There are 11 different
varieties of Canada geese which
weigh any where from three to 15
pounds.
They also spend an average of 12
hours a day feeding on grass, rocks,
leaves, algae, and grain.
The result of all of that food is
that one adult goose produces be-
tween one to three pounds of drop-
pings a day.
Goose poop spoils our beach wa-
ter quality and our park land.
It also poses a threat to human
health as the droppings get trapped
in the sand and washed out into the
water resulting in e -coli and para-
site risks.
It's becoming very clear that a
quick fix to our goose
problem is unlikely.
Recently, the Town
of Goderich has intro-
duced a by-law to help
discourage the feed-
ing of any birds on the
beach.
Signs explaining by-
law 76 are posted on the
beach, along with some
Canada geese facts and
notice that the mini-
mum fine for feeding any birds in
any of our parks is $50.
It is hoped that residents and
tourists alike will do their part
by not feeding the birds and by
making sure that their garbage is
picked up and disposed of appro-
priately.
With the arrival of spring more
and more of us will make our
beaches and waterfront parks
the destination of choice for that
morning walk, daily jog or simply
to marvel in the glow of our fa-
mous sunsets.
Soon visitors and vacationers of
all ages will dot our beaches with
picnic baskets, suntan lotion and
water toys.
By refraining from feeding the
birds all visitors will continue to
enjoy our safe, clean sandy beach-
es and well-maintained parks.
Every little bit helps.
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Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, May 20, 2009 - Page A15
Includes...
• New oil filter, installed •
• Up to 5 L 5W20 motor oil
• Chassis lube (if applicable)
• Comprehensive 55 pt. check over with report
• Outside vehicle wash
Plus disposal and
WE SERV1OE ALL M
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To all customers of Nine Waves ...
Although not of our doing, we would like to apologize for any incon-
venience you may have experienced during the days our Kincardine
store was closed in May.
We are open again for business and Mary, and the girls will be glad
to serve you at the store.
Orders placed through Collins Formal Wear are not jeopardized and
will be available as ordered.
Because of this unforeseen incident we will be moving to a new loca-
tion, at 801 Queen Street, Kincardine, on Monday, June 29.
Until then we will be having some HOT deals for you to enjoy. Please
help us carry Tess to the new location.
ele re &i 7/totte t
N1NC WAVES
Shoes • Cl.o hiNC • ACC CSSORICS
Lucknow 519-528-5888 Kincardine 519-396-6463
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