How to Get Rid of Geese Preparing for Migration in the GTA

Many GTA residents assume that Canada geese will soon leave, so the problem is almost over. But in reality, goose activity often increases before migration.

In fact, during the pre-migration period, as families gather before beginning their long journey, goose behaviour can lead to larger flocks and even greater impacts on GTA properties. Understanding Canada goose migration and planning pre-migration goose control can help reduce property damage before flocks become established.

How Canada Geese Prepare for Fall Migration

Geese Increase Their Daily Feeding Activity

• Increased feeding to build energy reserves
• Longer feeding periods
• Greater use of lawns, fields, and open green spaces
  
  

Family Groups Join Larger Flocks

• Young geese are now capable of flying
• Multiple family groups begin gathering
• Flocks become much larger than during goose nesting season
  
  

Daily Movement Between Feeding and Resting Areas Increases

• Geese begin travelling freater distances between feeding areas and resting sites..
• Properties that previously saw only occasional geese may now experience daily visits.
• Regular travel between water bodies and feeding sites
• Increased Canada goose visibility across the GTA
  
  

Which Properties are Most Affected by Pre-Migration Geese

Properties with large open spaces are likely to attract the most geese, even more so if there's a body of water nearby.

Harvested Agricultural Fields Attract Large Feeding Flocks

• Harvest waste from corn, wheat, and soybean fields is packed with carbohydrates and nutrients.
• Geese spend the day feeding in harvested fields in preparation for fall migration.
• Properties located between feeding areas and bodies of water may experience increased goose traffic.
  
  

Urban Green Spaces Become Convenient Stopovers

Canada geese have learned to thrive alongside humans and, in addition to the preferred short lawns, have acquired a taste for human foods and food waste. 

The following areas often lay on the travel route between daytime feeding and nighttime resting so become part of the geese's daily routine rather than their primary destination:

• Corporate campuses
• Industrial lawns
• Parks
• Sports fields
• Golf courses
  
  

Waterfront Properties Continue to Provide Safe Overnight "Roosting"

Geese do not 'roost' in the conventional sense; they do not seek higher ground for nighttime safety. Instead, they usually spend their nights on the water or very close to it to escape from ground predators. This includes:

• Lakes
• Rivers
• Stormwater ponds
• Conservation areas
  
  

Water remains essential even when feeding habits shift elsewhere.

How Pre-Migration Goose Activity Can Affect GTA Properties

Larger flocks mean more droppings in less time and daily goose movement can make cleanup feel never-ending and increase maintenance costs.

• Morning feeding
• Evening return
• Repeated use of the same property
  
  

Increased Maintenance Costs and Efforts

Large flocks of geese leave behind a lot of droppings which create health hazards, from slip and fall risks to water contamination.

• Parks
• Commercial sites
• Industrial facilities
• Residential communities
  
  

Public Spaces may Experience more Complaints

• Beaches
• Trails
• Sports facilities
• Community parks
  
  

Dos and Don’ts for Pre-Migration Goose Management

No matter what you plan on doing, please remember that Canada geese are protected and any work around geese requires specific CWS permits. A professional bird control company like Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control can help with these permits.

Do Monitor Where Large Flocks Are Gathering

• Observe where geese feed versus where they spend the night.
• Identify whether activity is temporary or becoming more frequent.
• Determine whether nearby water or farmland is influencing goose numbers.
  
  

Do Report Injured or Sick Geese to the Appropriate Authorities

• Pre-migration flocks are larger, making unusual behaviour easier to notice.
• Don't attempt to handle sick or injured birds yourself.
• Follow local wildlife or public health guidance if disease is suspected.
  
  

Don't Feed Geese During Pre-Migration Season

• Feeding encourages geese to remain in an area longer.
• Larger flocks become accustomed to returning.
• Feeding can increase conflicts in parks, beaches, and residential communities.
• Human foods do not satisfy the nutritional needs of geese, particularly just before migration.
  
  

Don't Attempt to Disperse Large Flocks on Your Own

• Large pre-migration flocks can be difficult to move.
• Chasing geese may simply move them to another part of the property.
• Consider professional assistance if you're trying to get rid of geese that continue returning to your property.
• Don't attempt to move or remove geese without a permit.
  
  

Common Myths About Canada Goose Behaviour Before Migration

Myth 1: Large flocks mean migration has already started

Fact: You are more likely to see large flocks of Canada geese because families come together BEFORE migration. This gathering can take place over several weeks towards the end of summer.

Myth 2: Waiting for migration will solve recurring goose problems

Fact: Allowing flocks to gather on your property prior to migration actually increases the chance of them returning to your property in the spring.

Myth 3: All geese migrate south

Fact: Actually, more and more Canada geese stay near human settlements during the winter. Both, milder winters and a constant supply of food (provided purposefully or inadvertently) contribute to this trend. These geese are nick named "popcorn geese".

Factors That Can Delay Goose Migration

• Mild autumn weather
• Abundant food sources
• Ice-free water sources
• Urban environments
• Supplemental feeding by people
• Changing weather conditions
  
  

How Hawkeye Can Help with Migratory GTA Goose Control

We offer over 35 years of experience in providing unique and custom goose management solutions including but not limited to falconry (eagles), trained dogs, ROVs, lasers, and innovative long-term goose prevention strategies.

Hawkeye’s goose control and removal services are provided year-round and our highly skilled falconers and dog operators are available for geese control all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga

Contact Hawkeye Today for Your GTA Goose Control Needs! Don't wait until next spring to address flocks of geese on your property. Act now.

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