A study of Canada geese, Branta canadensis , nesting on islands in southeastern Alberta

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Vermeer, Kees
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1970
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Newell; Dowling; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z70-039; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z70-039

Canada goose clutches situated on islands in Dowling Lake and Lake Newell, Alberta, were checked from laying to hatching. Egg-laying intervals averaged 1.87 days and incubation periods 26.8 days. The distribution of nests showed a significant deviation from randomness in the direction of uniform spacing. Causes of extensive hatching failure at Dowling Lake were predation and desertion. Predation by coyotes was facilitated by low water levels. A preference for nesting on islands appears to be a mechanism to counteract mammalian predation.