Gloucester Pool
Cottagers Association

Goose Management 2008

EGG OILING RESULTS

Thanks to the good April weather in 2007 and a great effort by the egg oiling volunteers, 171 goose eggs in 31 nests were oiled in accordance with the Canadian Wildlife Service permit. However, it is nearly impossible to locate all the nests. It appears that we had more nesting pairs this year, since the number of goslings that hatched appeared to be the same or more than in 2006 when we oiled fewer eggs. Many of our neighbouring municipalities and cottage associations are embarking on goose management strategies including egg oiling programs and perhaps the result of their efforts is the reason for increased numbers in our area.

OUR PROJECTED GOAL FOR 2008

1. Our committee knows that planting buffers of native plants is not always possible as many properties have rock shores but every little bit will help. We all need to do our best to make our cottage properties less inviting when the nesting pairs are looking for a home in early spring and when they are looking for a lawn to feed their young.

2. This year Canadian Wildlife Services have issued a permit with the provision that we have permission from the landowner to oil eggs on their property. We have 2008 permission from both Townships (Severn and Georgian Bay ), Ministry of Natural Resources, and a number of private lands. However, we did not receive as much support from landowners as we did in 2004-2007 and that puts the onus on the volunteers to ask landowner's permission first before oiling nests. Because of this eggs in located nests may not be oiled. Take a few minutes now to email your permission for 2008-2012 egg oiling with your name and property address to: kalbro@csolve.net

3. Help us help you. Egg oiling takes place in April so we need everyone to be watching for possible nesting geese. First you will see a pair of geese that chase other geese out of “their” area. Then – there will be only one goose on a feeding area (lawn) and he will chase away other geese. This is the male and the female will be on a nest usually somewhere within his view. Now you can either send an email to kalbro@csolve.net or telephone us at 538-2526 and our volunteers can check the area out.

5. We believe that the number of geese on the pool has been reduced to less than 100. In 2004 we estimated there were 350 birds.

Ken and Francine Albrough

The original permission forms many of you signed were for 2005-2007.  Since all experts agree controlling the numbers of Canada geese is an ongoing project, permission forms are required to continue this program for the next three years.  Your help is needed – Canadian Wildlife Service requires the following information for a permit.  So please send an email or letter with the following wording:

“I (We) authorize Canada goose egg oiling on my property in accordance with the Canadian Wildlife Service Permits for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Also include:            Your Name and signature (CWS accepted emails as signature)

Your Telephone number, postal address or email address
                        and
The Address where oiling may take place (Lot and Con. if possible)”

Or use our online form

Ken and Francine Albrough
Box 155, Port Severn, ON  L0K 1S0
Phone or Fax:  705 538-2526