Have you heard about molting geese? What does that mean? Join us as we explore why and when geese molt...

What is Molting?

Moltingrefers to geese dropping their feathers during the month of June and early July. With nesting finished and little ones hatched, the birds will search for their summer homes and a safe environment for molting and raising their young.

Do All Geese Molt?

Yes, all of the geese species - and there are as many as twenty - molt their primary, or flight feathers in the summer. In fact, not just geese but all waterfowl do. This affords the birds a full, brand-new set of flight feathers for their long migration journey. While they are molting, Canada geese are grounded and cannot fly; this is in contrast to ducks. Yearlings will go through the molting process shortly after their first birthday.

Why Do Geese Molt?

• Molting usually starts in late June or early July and aids with regulating their body temperature in the the summer heat. Molting helps to cool the goose by increasing the area of bare skin.
  
  
• Molting also helps with getting rid of damaged or worn flight  feathers. By shedding their old feathers, geese can make way for new, healthy, dense  feathers that will allow for migration and also help them stay warm once temperatures drop.
  
  

The Molt Migration

Molting is physically taxing, and requires the birds to be flightless for 3 to 4 weeks while shedding their primary feathers. Because the molt is such a demanding process, many of the birds will fly a long ways to find the ideal location to safely spend the summer. Geese with young offspring will stay at their breeding grounds to molt while those who did not breed will have to leave. 

Who participates in the Molt Migration?

The molt migration is all about leveraging resources. Those who have a half dozen tiny adorable goslings following them around, will spend this time remaining at their breeding sites. But those sites likely cannot sustain all of the geese that are there in early spring. Geese often don't find a mate and breed until they are  between 2 to 4 years old, so those youngsters need to move on and leave whatever food is there for the ones rearing their offspring. Those who did breed but had a failed nest also leave and join Pre-Molt Groups. 

What are Pre-Molt Groups

Adult geese that failed to hatch eggs, geese that have not yet found a mate (or lost their mate), or geese too young to breed (last year’s goslings) will flock up in what is referred to as “pre-molt groups”. With no babies to raise and no territory or nests to defend, these geese will form their own little (or large!) flocks. They will be looking for abundant feeding grounds as they make their way farther north.

Properties that had no geese issues all throughout spring may suddenly become inundated with large groups of geese and the mess they leave behind.  Not only are we talking the usual droppings, but feathers - LOTS of feathers - as well.

Where do the Birds migrate to?

The molt is all about resources, so these geese go to where they can find lots of nutrition and safety - and that is often north. Remember, they cannot fly away during this time. Rivers, streams, any bodies of water provide a quick escape route from predators, if necessary. In fact, streams also double as a sort of water highway to travel on - if resources dwindle in one spot, they can move on to the next. Before fall they all will head back to their original spring destination to reunite with the main flock. This isn't so much about the flock or social structure, but rather about the fall migration route. The group that took part in the molt migration does not know the way south from where they are at. Hence, they'll join the ones who stayed put at the nesting site and they will all set out for their winter destination together, followint the tried and trusted path that brought them here.

Why is the Molt significant in terms of Geese Control and Removal?

Canada Geese are one of the many migratory birds found in Canada who migrate to a more southern climate during the winter months. Most geese winter in the southern United States and Mexico, but due to the noticeable changes in our climate, some geese are still wintering in the southern most regions of central and western Canada, where winters are not lasting nearly as long as they have in the past. Most geese are still migrating, but may not be travelling as far south as previously recorded.

The V-Formation

Almost everyone in Canada has seen geese flying in a V shape formation, but many people are still unsure of the direct benefit of this formation to the geese. Geese fly in a V formation for one main reason, energy conservation.  

Migrating is a long and tiresome journey, and being an egotistical goose in this situation, can lead to mortality through starvation or over exertion of energy. Thankfully, through evolution, geese and other migratory birds have developed behavioural traits that allow them to work as a team rather than as an individual, providing a mutually beneficial outcome for the entire flock.

Leading The Flock

Each goose shares the responsibility of leading the flock. This position is the most difficult to hold due to the fact that the leading goose is subject to the largest amount of wind resistance, and consequently the largest energy expenditure. Each goose behind the lead flies slightly higher than the goose in front of them. This reduces the amount of wind resistance each successive goose is experiencing, in turn reducing the energy output required to migrate. All members of the flock are willing to take turns in this position, only to spend an equal amount of time flying in a low energy cost situation. Migratory birds are truly the epitome of teamwork, and would experience a large population decrease every year during migration if it wasn’t for this wonderful evolutionary adaptation.

Hawkeye is the ONLY Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area licensed Pest Bird Control Specialist offering PERMANENT REMOVAL & GUARANTEED RESULTS. We are uniquely qualified under permits and licenses to PERMANENTLY REMOVE AND CONTROL pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls, geese, starlings, and swallows using a variety of methods including Birds of Prey.  Additionally, we offer cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas and facilitate the future exclusion of birds.

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Pest Birds such asCormorants,Crows,Ducks,Doves,Geese,Grackels,Seagulls,Pigeons,Robins,Sparrows andStarlings.

Related Articles:
https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/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
  
  

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. 

It is a common assumption that goose problems are over once goslings are grown and adult geese regain flight after their summer moulting season. That's why many property owners assume their goose problems are over once nesting season ends. However, late summer goose control should actually be focused on planning, assessment, and long-term management rather than simply reacting to immediate problems.

Yes, goose behaviour begins changing again as the birds prepare for seasonal movements, but property managers who dismiss geese now often miss an important strategic opportunity.