On Thu, 13 Jan 2000, david and marjorie wrote:

> 2. Has there been an increase in Canada geese populations across the
> country? I know that many urban areas have seen dramatic increases but
> is the population as a whole increasing?

Increases in resident Canada Goose populations within the United States
are widespread, from east coast to west coast. Some races of Canada Goose,
such as the Dusky Canada Goose, are not doing so well. There are likely other
northern breeders that are not experiencing the kind of growth that being
observed in birds associated with the "lower 48 states", with all of the
habitat enhancements associated with our cities and our agricultural
endeavors.


> 3. Does the growing population of Canada geese negatively affect other
> birds in urban environments?

Concentrations of waterfowl can become a source for diseases that are passed
to migrating waterfowl that mingle with the resident birds. Other than
this, I am not aware of harmful effects of Canada Geese on other birds.

Kelly McAllister
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov