Canada Goose production at Gray's Lake, Idaho, 1949-1951.

Authors(s): P. E. Steel, P. D. Dalke and E. G. Bizeau

Publication: Journal of Wildlife Management

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

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Abstract: Nesting and populations of Canada geese in the Grays Lake marsh were examined during 1949, 1950, and 1951. Most nests were initiated in mid-late April, before the marsh was free of ice and snow. A total of 380 nests were located; 77% were on muskrat houses, of which 63% were on active houses. Only 2% of nests were located on cattail islands. Overall, 80% of nests were built in cattail, bulrush, or a combination of these cover types. Of 361 goose nests, 80% were successful. Land nests and marsh nests were equally successful. Fifteen percent of all terminated nests were deserted for unknown reasons, but some nests were frequently disturbed by spring muskrat trappers. Average clutch size for the 3 years was 5.2. Egg success ranged from 83 to 91% and averaged 86%. Average hatch per nest varied from 4.2 in 1949 to 4.6 in 1951. Following spring censuses of about 800 and 1,000 breeding and nonbreeding geese in 1950 and 1951, the total hatch was estimated at to 990 and 1,010 goslings, respectively.

Keywords: Gray's Lake, Idaho, animal, breeding, bird, Aves, Anatidae, ornithology, waterfowl, water bird, goose, Canada goose, Branta canadensis, population, mortality, nest, nesting, mammal, muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus, human activity, trapping, hunting