Geese are common waterfowl known for their distinctive calls and V-shaped flight formations. Their annual life cycle includes a fundamental period dedicated to nesting, a crucial phase for reproduction. Understanding their timing and behaviors provides insight into these adaptable birds.
The Geese Nesting Season
The nesting season for geese begins in early spring, with exact timing influenced by species and geographical location. For instance, Canada geese in temperate regions may start nesting activities from mid-March through late April, with some pairs forming as early as mid-to-late February. Winter weather significantly impacts when geese begin to pair and build nests; mild winters can initiate the nesting season sooner than cold, snowy ones.
Environmental factors play a substantial role in triggering the onset and duration of the nesting period. Temperature, snowmelt, and food availability are primary cues. Geese cannot construct nests until sites are free of snow. Delayed snowmelt can postpone egg laying and reduce gosling production, creating a mismatch with vegetation availability. Early snowmelt can lead to earlier nesting.
Nesting Behaviors and Incubation
Once nesting begins, geese engage in specific behaviors to prepare for and execute the reproductive process. They often select sites near water, typically within 150 feet, that provide concealment and an unobstructed view, such as islands, muskrat houses, or thick vegetation along shorelines. The female goose is primarily responsible for selecting and constructing the nest.
Nests are large, bowl-shaped structures, 12 to 40 inches in diameter. They are constructed from readily available plant materials like dry grasses, twigs, bark, leaves, and moss. As egg-laying progresses, the female lines the nest with down feathers plucked from her own breast, creating a soft, insulated bed for the eggs. The female lays one egg every one to two days, usually in the early morning.
A goose clutch size can range from two to twelve eggs, with an average of five to six. Incubation begins once all eggs are laid, ensuring goslings hatch around the same time. The incubation period for goose eggs lasts about 28 to 30 days. While the female primarily incubates, the male, or gander, stands guard nearby, aggressively defending the nest and female from threats. The female rarely leaves the nest during incubation, maintaining constant warmth for developing embryos.