[wisb] Re: Snow Geese...are they bad??
- From: "Kevin Kearns" <dkkearns@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:36:32 -0500
I know that for the time period between 1995-2008, there were many concerns
regarding overpopulation of Snow Geese on their breeding ranges. The basics
are that Snow Geese have had a much easier time during winter and migration
with all the farm fields around, so more are surviving winters and
migrations, and are arriving north of the artic circle healthier, thereby
producing more chicks. There have been calls for the past 15 years to
increase pressure on the population (i.e. hunting) to reduce the numbers.
The main issue is that with so many in their breeding range, they are
completely denuding the tundra of all vegetation, creating a desert in
essence which is impacting other species. Several good articles can be
found at:
http://www.birderslounge.com/2009/03/duck-duck-goose-snow-goose/
(Non-technical, but good synopsis)
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/snowprob/index.htm (Technical but
based on 16 year old studies)
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-04-04/news/bs-ed-geese-20110404_1_snow
-geese-snow-goose-brilliant-bodies (Recent news story showing the problem is
still ongoing)
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/NewReportsPublications/PopulationStatus/Wa
terfowl/2011WaterfowlStatusReport.pdf (Pgs 48-52)
It does appear that their population is still increased by a very large
number, there was an estimated 2.9M in winter of 2006-7, biologists had set
a goal of 1.5M total. Just like any population of any organism, if the
checks and balances are out of whack, huge increases (or decreases) can and
most likely will occur.
Kevin Kearns
Lake Mills
-----Original Message-----
From: wisbirdn-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:wisbirdn-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of ewbirdingwi@xxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 7:17 PM
To: wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [wisb] Snow Geese...are they bad??
I was surprised to hear a comment today regarding Snow Geese. I have never
seen anything posted about them being so over populated in some areas? Can
anyone enlighten me?
Wyleen High
Amherst, Portage CO
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