Population and Spatial Dynamics of Resident Canada Geese in Southeastern Nebraska

Abstract

In response to increasing populations, damage complaints, and a desire to understand population and spatial dynamics, we studied population size, survival rates, home ranges, movements, and site fidelity of female resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) at 18 study sites within 23 km of Lincoln, Nebraska, during 1991–1994. Based on mean flock size (x̄ = 93) and number of collared geese in flocks (x̄ = 13), the estimated population of resident Canada geese was nearly 4,000. Estimated monthly survival for female Canada geese was 0.94, mean home range was 25 km2, and mean maximum distance moved between use areas was 13 km. Collared female Canada geese exhibited strong site fidelity, with 16% of relocated individuals observed at only 1 location during a single year. Other collared geese were observed at a single site during 75% of all observations. Our findings suggest that management efforts to address complaints about nuisance Canada geese must be implemented on the local level to be successful.