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The breeding and nesting season for Canada Geese begins early each spring and families of geese are with us all summer long. And, with their stay come a host of issues - from mild annoyances to goose attacks, property damage, and the threat of diseases.
Many home and property owners desperately seek solutions to get rid of geese from residential and commercial properties. While destroying a goose nest before the goslings hatch is the most effective way to discourage geese from lingering until their fall migration AND reduce the probability of them returning to the same spot next year, there are some legal considerations.
So, Can You Legally Destroy a Goose Nest?
Yes - but ONLY with a permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Let's look at this in more detail...
Why You Can't Just Destroy a Goose Nest
The Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA): The Primary Federal Law
The Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) is a Canadian law, that was originally created in 1917 and updated to its current version in 1994. It is based on the Migratory Birds Convention (also known as the Migratory Bird Treaty) which was agreed upon and signed by Canada and the United States in 1916. The Act aims to protect migratory birds, their eggs, and nests from activities like hunting, trafficking, and commercialization without proper permits. It also allows for the creation of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.
The Migratory Birds Convention Act prohibits the killing, disturbing, removing, owning or selling, or destruction of migratory birds, their nests, and their eggs without a permit. Canada Geese are migratory birds and covered by this Act.
Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 (and associated regulations)
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act from 1997 (FWCA) in Ontario regulates the hunting and trapping of wildlife, including geese. Although the FWCA doesn't specifically target geese, it does protect wildlife in general, including goose nests and eggs. Canada Geese, are also subject to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (Canada) which provides additional protections.
All permits surrounding geese control, removal, and/or management are issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service, and they are generally granted only when there is a demonstrable need to protect public health, safety, or property. Permits are required for each method of goose control and each location, as deemed necessary. The Canadian Wildlife Service's prominent role is to protect wildlife and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Municipal By-Laws
Additionally, interference with geese and other wildlife may be further regulated by municipal by-laws. Virtually every city and town in Ontario has by-laws that prohibit the feeding of wildlife on public or private land. Under Toronto’s Animals By-law, feeding wildlife can earn you a fine of up to $365. By-laws such as this aim to help wildlife stay wild and out of harm's way.
What Are the Fines for Disturbing Canada Goose Nests Illegally?
Penalties under the MBCA:
- Fines for unlawfully destroying, taking, or disturbing eggs
The set fine for any of these offences is $200 per egg; - Fines for unlawfully damaging, destroying, removing, or disturbing a nest
The set fine for for any of these offences is $200 per nest; - Fines for unlawfully buying or selling a migratory bird, nest, or egg
The set fine here is $300 per bird, nest, and egg; - Potential for more severe penalties for repeat offenses or large-scale destruction
In the past, the Ontario Court of Justice has handed down convictions and issued fines of $5000 or more.
What Else could Happen if You Destroy a Canada Goose Nest Illegally?
- You will face charges under provincial acts;
- In addition to fines, you will encounter court and legal costs;
- Ignorance of the law is not a defense.
Ethical and Practical Considerations:
Canada Geese are territorial and fiercely protective of nests and their offspring. The gander's primary role is to protect the female and the nest. As a result, both he and the female will aggressively defend their nest and may cause severe injuries in confrontations.
What Can Property Owners Do Legally?
Employ a Licensed Wildlife Control Professional
An experienced, licensed, and insured wildlife agent such as Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control will help you obtain the necessary permits and work on a long term goose management plan with you. You will have the certainty of knowing that your endeavor is within the law and that whatever goose control method is used follows ethical and humane guidelines.
Why Egg Oiling/Addling Isn’t a Solution
Every now and then you may hear that chemical oiling or egg addling is an alternative to Canada goose nest destruction and removal. It is not. Here's why:
- While the treated eggs are no longer viable and will not hatch, the adult geese don't know that. They will remain sitting on the nest.
- Because the adult geese don't understand what has happened and that it was the actions of humans that prevented their eggs from hatching, they will return the following year.
Why Goose Nest Destruction is More Effective
By destroying the nest in the line of sight of the adult geese, a clear message is sent: This location is not safe or suitable for nesting. Coupled with other control methods to reinforce that message, the geese will likely vacate the area to find a more suitable nesting site. Nest Removal may have to happen a few years in a row to strike this location from the migratory route altogether.
How Hawkeye’s Goose Nest Removal Service Works
- Provided that you have obtained the necessary permits (Hawkeye can assist with that), our team of goose control experts will come in and drive geese off the nest, but keep them nearby.
- While the geese observe, we will completely dismantle the nest and any eggs.
- We will discard and remove any nesting materials.
- We will cover the original nest spot with plywood to prohibit rebuilding.
The Goose Nest is Gone - Now What?
At this point, the geese are distraught and feeling unsafe. We'll want to reinforce that sense by implementing additional goose control methods:
- Falconry
Flying birds of preys (eagles) over the area for several days and then periodically; - Trained Dogs
Patrolling the nesting site with trained dogs, chasing geese wherever they seem to settle; - Lasers
Using lasers in low light condition further makes the area unpredictable and unsuitable for nesting; - Habitat Modification
Installing low fencing, pond wiring, pond netting, shrubs and other vegetation, and obstructing water access;
The goal is to make the geese feel unsafe and move on to another location on their own. And, eventually, the goal is for them to not return due to this not being a safe nesting site.
When Is the Ideal Time to Prevent Nesting?
Preventing nesting in the current year is a difficult task. If at all, this would have to be done as soon as Canada geese return from their migration journey with falconry and dogs. Prevention is more achievable by concentrating on the following year, by means of habitat modification and a long term geese management plan.
Contact Hawkeye for Goose Nest Removal
Goose Nest Removal is highly effective if done legally. Going out on your own and destroying a nest is illegal and will result in charges and fines. So, let's not do that.
Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is your #1 Goose Control Expert in the Greater Toronto Area. We are licensed, insured and have the expertise, the experience, and the resources to help you devise and execute a long term geese management plan. Remember, that no one method alone and no one application alone will solve your Canada goose problem.
Need Help with a Goose Nest on Your Property?
Contact Hawkeye today and learn how our falconers and goose control technicians can destroy and remove Canada geese nests from your property! Our goose control services for nesting issues are available all across the GTA, including Toronto, Aurora, Scarborough, Newmarket, Brampton, Mississauga, Pickering, Oakville, Vaughan, Whitby, Markham, North York, and Oshawa.
