Grant saw the first geese that hatched on the pond Tuesday, one had gotten separated from the group. He grabbed it and put it in the water near mom and the rest of its kin and everything appeared well. Since then we have noticed at least three groups on the water with newly hatched goslings. I have not seen any woodies hatched out yet. Thanks.
I did some research over the winter on how geese affect the pond. Specifically how their droppings affect water quality. Here's some food for thought and the main reason why I don't allow them to spend much time on my pond.
Every day each goose will poop enough excrement to grow 115 pounds of filamentous algae.
In my pond, I allowed a pair to nest on the island and raise a family. One year they invited about 40 relatives for a party, and the year after that I had Eurasian Water Milfoil growing in my pond. I imagine that one or more of the party goers brought some seeds in their gut from a local lake and deposited them in my pond. So now I have to treat my pond every couple of years with Fluridone to kill what is growing. Every year I think I have it eradicated, and then every few years it shows up again. I (and Kate the Springer Spaniel) are busy this time of year keeping the No Vacancy sign lit and operating.....
I did some research over the winter on how geese affect the pond. Specifically how their droppings affect water quality. Here's some food for thought and the main reason why I don't allow them to spend much time on my pond.
Every day each goose will poop enough excrement to grow 115 pounds of filamentous algae.
In my pond, I allowed a pair to nest on the island and raise a family. One year they invited about 40 relatives for a party, and the year after that I had Eurasian Water Milfoil growing in my pond. I imagine that one or more of the party goers brought some seeds in their gut from a local lake and deposited them in my pond. So now I have to treat my pond every couple of years with Fluridone to kill what is growing. Every year I think I have it eradicated, and then every few years it shows up again. I (and Kate the Springer Spaniel) are busy this time of year keeping the No Vacancy sign lit and operating.....
No sh-t! I have four adults at my place but never realized they could so easily spread bad stuff. Hard to get rid of them when you have feeders.
I had a nasty 2 year outbreak of eurasion nasties too after a brief visit by some geese. We work night and day to harass them. They do not like strobe lights in their eyes at night either....
The last couple days I’ve seen 4 groups of geese have hatched out, I’d say at least 25 little ones total. I jumped two groups of woodies this afternoon with young ones but couldn’t estimate a count as they were in some thick brush. I also stumbled across a hen mallard on the edge of a switchgrass planting that is sitting on a nest. Thanks and have a great day.
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