Battling Canada Geese in the Nest

We all know the Canada nuisance this time of year.  They leave puddles of poop on the sidewalk. Open ground becomes geese buffet tables and they generally act as if they own the place.

Yes, there are good points: They always travel in pairs (great faithfulness among mates) and the goslings are cute little furballs.

But if you've had it with the gathering gobs of grazing geese, Fairfax County wants you.

The county issued this announcement this week: Volunteers are needed for the Geese Management Program in April and May.

Volunteers will learn to use a safe and humane technique (addling) to manage resident geese populations. Addling is a simple process applying corn oil on eggs to prevent embryo development.

A public Geese Management training session is scheduled at the Fairfax County Government Center located at12000 Government Center Pkwy.,  Wed., April 6, 4pm - 5pm in Executive Conference Room 232. Volunteers will learn general geese ecology and behavior; how to locate and identify nests, and how to addle eggs. Volunteers will work in small teams.

If you are interested in becoming a Geese Management Volunteer, contact the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist by email victoria.monroe@fairfaxcounty.gov or office phone: 703-246-6868.

You no longer have to curse the geese. You can addle them.