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Canada Geese
Do Not Feed Waterfowl!
Some people enjoy feeding waterfowl, but artificial feeding is actually harmful to waterfowl and may cause: - Poor nutrition - Increased hybridization - Lake pollution - Delayed migration - Concentrations at unnatural sites - Overcrowding - Spread of disease - Costly management efforts - Unnatural behavior - Cumulative effects - Devaluation of the species
Some waterfowl can drop 1 pound or more of feces per day. The waste may contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli. When there are large concentrations of waterfowl, namely the Canada Goose, there is a large volume of waste. Some of this waste is spotted on the walking path and nearby grounds, and may transfer to your home via your shoes and your pet. The largest concentration of goose feces is found in the lake. Along with other factors, the increased goose waste in the lake has caused nitrate levels to rise. With high levels of nitrates in the water, algae is sure to bloom.
The Canada goose is a migratory species and protected by Federal law. The geese, however, are not migrating back to native Canada. They instead have taken-up residence in local ponds and lakes. Often times the geese become accustomed to and dependent on humans for food, and become comfortable in areas where the free meal is a guarantee.
Because Canada goose is a protected species, we are limited by law as to the measures we take to remove the geese from the lake. Best professional advice is to erect a barrier such as a fence, grow vegetation as a natural barrier, and post signage reminding residents to not feed the waterfowl. The Sachems Head Homeowners Association has installed a fence and plantings as barriers. New signage was added along the lake to discourage feeding of the waterfowl.
Residents are encouraged to not feed the waterfowl and to report violations to a member of the board of directors.
The Canada goose is a migratory species and protected by Federal law. The geese, however, are not migrating back to native Canada. They instead have taken-up residence in local ponds and lakes. Often times the geese become accustomed to and dependent on humans for food, and become comfortable in areas where the free meal is a guarantee.
Because Canada goose is a protected species, we are limited by law as to the measures we take to remove the geese from the lake. Best professional advice is to erect a barrier such as a fence, grow vegetation as a natural barrier, and post signage reminding residents to not feed the waterfowl. The Sachems Head Homeowners Association has installed a fence and plantings as barriers. New signage was added along the lake to discourage feeding of the waterfowl.
Residents are encouraged to not feed the waterfowl and to report violations to a member of the board of directors.