The program has been running since 2007.
No. The program targets eggs, and eggs only. In most cases, the geese fly off of the nest as field crews approach the nest and return shortly after crews leave. For more protective pairs, trained field crews gently coax adult geese off of the nest and quickly addle the eggs. More often than not, the adult geese sit back on the nest moments after crews leave the nest.
No. In fact, the resident non-migratory geese that are nesting in the Okanagan and the focus of the program were specifically introduced in the 60’s and 70’s to increase wildlife viewing and sport-hunting opportunities. Since then, the prevalence of good habitat, lack of predators inside urban environments and decreased hunting pressure has permitted this non-native population to grow out of proportion with the Okanagan environment.
No. Handling eggs and young does not mean that the eggs or young will be abandoned. In many cases, the adult geese return to the nest within minutes of field crews leaving the nest site. However, in general bird nests and eggs should not be disturbed and in fact, it is a Federal offense to do so unless done under an authorizing permit.