How to Prepare GTA Properties Before Geese Return This Spring

While we may still be buried under snow and ice, the arrival of Canada geese in the GTA is only weeks away. With spring goose season approaching quickly, now is the time to educate yourself and consider options for geese control—before the birds settle in and begin nesting.

Canada geese may return from their southern winter home as early as March. Once geese establish a nest, removal becomes significantly more difficult due to regulations and aggressive behaviour. Early prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient approach. Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control now. 

When Do Geese Typically Return to the GTA?

Why timing matters:

• Geese start scouting or preparing known nesting locations immediately upon return.
• Early arrivals are often the most dominant and persistent pairs.
• Once nesting begins, options for goose removal become limited.
  
  

What Happens When Geese First Return?

Why Geese Choose Certain Properties

The Types of Environment Geese Prefer

Will Geese Come Back to the Same Property Every Year?

Yes, geese will absolutely return to previous nesting sites. In fact, female geese will most likely establish their own families at the site where they once hatched. While young males will set out to find or establish their own flock, young females remain with their family. An exceptional memory and site fidelity play a big role in geese migration and ultimately survival. A breeding site where eggs were successfully hatched will absolutely be ingrained as a future and permanent nesting ground. Even unsuccessful nesting attempts often don't guarantee immediate abandoning of the site. Geese are very determined and committed parents and do not easily vacate a nesting site. That's why any attempts to stop nesting will likely have to be repeated.

Why Geese Become a Serious Problem Once They Settle

Ever-growing flocks of Canada geese are more than just a nuisance; they can create hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage in just one season. Once nesting begins, efforts to get rid of geese become more complex, costly, and legally restricted.

• Aggressive behaviour toward people and pets
• Health risks from droppings (slip hazards, bacteria)
• Damage to turf and landscaping
• Water contamination
• Business disruption
• Liability risks for property owners
• Long-term infestation if not addressed early
  
  

Why Prevention Is the Most Effective Goose Control Strategy

Preventing geese from settling is far easier than removing them once nesting begins. A pair that has built a nest and laid eggs is committed to protecting and defending that nest at all cost. Proactive measures that make the nesting site appear to be unsafe or unstable form the foundation of effective goose prevention strategies, deterring nesting before regulatory restrictions apply.

• Aggressive encounters and territorial behaviours;
• Regulatory complications (i.e., additional permits);
• Long-term return patterns.
  
  

The goal is not to react to geese - but to make your property undesirable before they decide to stay and breed.

What Makes a Property “Unattractive” to Geese?

If you’re wondering how to keep geese away long-term, the key is disrupting the safety cues they rely on when selecting nesting sites.

Break Their Sense of Safety

To keep safe from predators, nesting locations must offer the following:

• Wide-open areas;
• Clear visibility in all directions;
• Water to make a quick escape;
• No environments where predators could hide.
  
  

Remove the Perfect Nesting Conditions

Keeping in mind what makes Canada geese feel safe, here's what property owners should avoid or obstruct as best as possible:

• Flat, open lawns and short cut grass;
• Easy access between grass and water;
• Minimal visual obstructions.
  
  

If your GTA property doesn’t feel safe or predictable, geese will move on quickly. Many habitat modifications can be done early and with relatively little cost and effort.

Habitat Changes Property Owners Can Make Before Geese Return

Adjust Grass Height Strategically

• Allow grass to grow longer in early spring.
• Longer grass reduces visibility and comfort, hence making geese feel more vulnerable.
• Longer grass also discourages feeding.
  
  

Introduce Visual Barriers and Natural Obstructions

Again, keeping in mind that geese prefer an open view in all directions to spot potential predators early, we can counteract their nesting activity by introducing:

• Shrubs
• Natural plantings
• Landscape buffers
• Berms or uneven terrain
• Low landscape fencing
  
  

By planting or placing obstruction, you can impede a goose's sense of security and break the line of sight associated with an open field.

Modify Shorelines and Water Access

Geese need water not only for hydration but also to escape predators. Anything you can do to prevent easy access to water will help deter them from your property.

• Geese like easy, walk-in access to water
• Gradual slopes encourage nesting nearby
• Subtle shoreline modifications can discourage loafing and nesting
  
  

Install Low Physical Barriers Where Appropriate

• Low fencing
• Natural borders
• Pond-edge boulders and shrubs
  
  

Habitat modifications are not meant to trap or harm the birds - they merely help disrupt their access and comfort level. Many property owners may be concerned how such modifications will affect their property value or aesthetics but if done properly and professionally (i.e., landscaping), the effect may actually be an increase in property value.

What Property Owners Should Do When Snow Starts Melting

Understanding how to prepare for goose nesting season allows property owners to act early, before geese establish territories and nests.

Early Spring Preparation Checklist:

• Inspect property for last year’s nesting spots.
• Identify open, flat grassy areas near water.
• Plan landscaping or access modifications.
• Schedule professional assessments early.
• Do not wait for geese to lay eggs or build nests.
  
  

Preparing Different Property Types for Spring Goose Activity

• Commercial & Retail Plazas:
  • Focus: Customer safety and storefront aesthetics.
  • Strategy: High-traffic areas require dawn/dusk laser sweeps to ensure geese don't feel safe "roosting" overnight near entrances.
    
    
• Industrial & Logistics Hubs:
  • Focus: Expansive flat rooftops and large grass margins.
  • Strategy: Dog patrols and bird-of-prey flyovers to cover vast acreage quickly.
    
    
• Government & Public Parks:
  • Focus: Public health and sanitation in "no-spray" or high-use zones.
  • Strategy: Habitat modification (planting shrubs to break sightlines) and pond wiring to prevent easy access from water to picnic areas.
    
    
• Residential & Multi-Unit Condos:
  • Focus: Common-area protection.
  • Strategy: Low-profile physical obstructions and site-specific K9 or falconry patrols to prevent "pair-bonding" in courtyard areas.
    
    

What Not to Rely on When Preparing for Goose Season

Visual or Audio Deterrents

Fake owls or audio devices will not deter geese for long. They "may" work for a day or two and after that, the geese will studiously ignore your efforts. Geese are very intelligent and adaptable birds and a passive method that doesn't introduce real physical risk or discomfort will not work. Effective preparation requires real environmental changes - usually a number of control methods working together.

Why Professional Goose Management Planning Is a Must

For large or high-risk properties, professional goose control in the GTA requires a multi-season strategy and an experienced partner in goose control and removal.

Professional goose management involves:

• Site-specific assessment;
• Obtaining the correct and necessary permits;
• Understanding goose behaviour patterns;
• Designing layered prevention strategies;
• Ensuring methods are humane, effective, and compliant.
  
  

There is no one-size-fits-all solution - effective prevention depends on how the property and how it is used and maintained. There also is no one solution that will deter geese alone. Goose prevention, control, and removal requires several methods working hand-in-hand.

How to Prepare for Goose Nesting Season Avoid Problems All Season Long

Spring preparation can determine the entire season and, once geese settle, options become limited. Getting ready early, even with just small landscape changes, when paired with guidance from a professional bird control company, is the most effective way to manage spring goose activity and help prevent long-term issues, saving time, cost, and frustration.

Contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control - your #1 choice for geese control and removal in the GTA. We will help with your permits and put together a workable goose management plan for your GTA property.

Related Articles:
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/how-to-remove-geese-from-your-property
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/top-tips-for-preventing-goose-invasions-in-mississauga