A Vancouver resident sought help after discovering a family of geese nesting on his rooftop, a situation not uncommon as per a rescue organization. The Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. (WRABC) revealed they are receiving frequent calls about these large birds during the spring season and emphasized the importance of early intervention if the geese require assistance.
Cecil Hershler’s encounter began when a mother goose settled in a vegetable box on his four-story Vancouver home about two weeks ago. Initially, Hershler didn’t pay much attention to it while tending to his outdoor area. However, upon being alerted by visitors that the goose might be nesting, he contacted WRABC for guidance.
After the eggs hatched, Hershler was surprised by the arrival of eight goslings and their protective father, leading to noisy interactions. With the situation escalating, rescuers were called in to relocate the geese to a safer location. Linda Bakker, WRABC’s co-executive director, explained the typical behavior of nesting goose families and the need for a suitable environment for the goslings to thrive.
In a coordinated effort, volunteers safely transferred the goslings into a special container before reuniting them with the mother and father goose at Jericho Beach Park. Bakker advised that if a nest is found in a hazardous location, only authorized professionals with permits should handle the relocation due to legal protection for geese under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
While not all nesting goose families necessitate rescue, Bakker commended Hershler for acting promptly and respecting the birds’ space. She recommended people encountering nesting geese to maintain a safe distance, document the situation, and refrain from disturbing the nest until after the summer season.
