A study of the nesting ecology, productivity, and mortality of Canada geese at Waterhen Marsh, Saskatchewan / Richard K. Brace

Nest counts conducted at Waterhen Marsh over the past 10 years indicated that the number of nesting Giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima Delacour 1951) has declined since 1966. In 1970, a two-year study of nest-site selection, productivity and mortality was initiated. The purpose of the study was to determine the factor(s) responsible for the decline in numbers of nesting Canada geese. In 1970 and 1971, Canada geese returned to Waterhen Marsh during the first week of April.Nest-site selection, territory establishment and clutch initiation closely followed the spring arrival, coinciding with the spring break-up. When selecting nest-sites, Canada geese seemed to consider: 1)abundance of nesting material, 2) island nest-sites, 3) closeness to water, 4) firmness of nesting substrate, 5) closeness of a grazing area,6) presence of loafing-sites, 7) absence of other nests, 8) good visibility from the nest-site, and 9) closeness of a brood-rearing area.There appeared to be an abun