Migratory and Resident Canada Geese

On Long Island, resident populations exist year-round while North Atlantic and Atlantic populations of Canada geese may migrate to the island during the late fall and winter (Figure 3) (USFWS, 2015). Hunting seasons are adjusted for the fall in some areas of Long Island in anticipation of the arrival of migratory geese (NYSDEC, n.d). The changes are in consideration of the migratory Canada geese population size, which is not thought to be in excess (NYSDEC, n.d).

Figure 3. Range of Canada geese in the Atlantic flyway, fr om “Waterfowl Population Status, 2015” (USFWS, 2015)