Birders who visit Burnaby Lake Park have recently reported a behavior among the Canada geese that they find very interesting.
According to George Clulow, who is the president of B.C. Field Ornithologists, the families of geese have been forming large groups of adults and goslings that are known as gang broods. Some of them can be very big, with as many as 30 of the young birds coming together for protection and safety. He likened it to an avian form of universal daycare.
These flocks are often led around by just a few adults, while the rest are off feeding or engaging in other activities. Mr. Clulow noted that these gang broods are more common in urban areas, as they help to keep the youngsters that cannot fly yet safe form the different predators that could harm them, such as bobcats, coyotes, or dogs that are running free and not on a leash. Signs produced by a firm that provides printing services can help to make people aware that the birds are nesting, and ask them to keep their dogs leashed during this time.
He also mentioned that Deer Lake Park, Stanley Park, and Burnaby Lake are great places for birders to see this interesting behavior, but that people should not try to get too close, as the adults may become aggressive and even attack to protect their young.Get a Free Quote for Signs
