Fairhope, Alabama
AT PIER AND BEACH PARKS
After most of them were removed last summer, a new flock of Canada Geese has returned to beachfront parks: about 98 were counted by the Times there recently (up from 75 three weeks ago).
The number seems to vary from day to day.
People feeding the geese just attract more and exacerbate the problem, according to wildlife experts.
Goose and other bird feces have been identified as one source of the beach/bay water fecal contamination that causes beach closings during summer months -- and pose a nuisance to pedestrians, children and others using the parks (click).
PROTECTED SPECIES
Canada Geese are a federally protected species, under the Migratory Bird Act (click) -- and strict regulations govern how they may be controlled.
Last summer a significant number (40 - 200) were removed (and subsequently euthanized) from the parks and golf course by the Department of Agriculture (click).
OVERPOPULATION NATIONWIDE
Mayor Kant told the Times he thought the new geese came from nearby lakes and ponds -- and such measures as noise-horns and predator decoys are currently under consideration to try and drive them away.
Canada Geese cause pollution problems for cities nationwide, and can pose a hazard for aviation at airports.
AT PIER AND BEACH PARKS
After most of them were removed last summer, a new flock of Canada Geese has returned to beachfront parks: about 98 were counted by the Times there recently (up from 75 three weeks ago).
The number seems to vary from day to day.
People feeding the geese just attract more and exacerbate the problem, according to wildlife experts.
Goose and other bird feces have been identified as one source of the beach/bay water fecal contamination that causes beach closings during summer months -- and pose a nuisance to pedestrians, children and others using the parks (click).
PROTECTED SPECIES
Canada Geese are a federally protected species, under the Migratory Bird Act (click) -- and strict regulations govern how they may be controlled.
Last summer a significant number (40 - 200) were removed (and subsequently euthanized) from the parks and golf course by the Department of Agriculture (click).
OVERPOPULATION NATIONWIDE
Mayor Kant told the Times he thought the new geese came from nearby lakes and ponds -- and such measures as noise-horns and predator decoys are currently under consideration to try and drive them away.
Canada Geese cause pollution problems for cities nationwide, and can pose a hazard for aviation at airports.
Comments
Noise Horns? Why don't we just hold a concert down there once a week. Grayson Capps, a Marshall half stack, and 200 people at sunset would do wonders for everyone involved.
Last summer a significant number (40 - 200) were removed (and subsequently euthanized) from the parks and golf course by the Department of Agriculture (click)."
So I'm quite certain this is why the city of Fairhope decided to exterminate them under the cover of darkness and without as much as a peep (or a quack) that they were going to do it.
The geese are driving the karma bus Mr. Mayor.