Protect Your Property Before Nesting Becomes a Problem

Canada goose nesting season in Maryland typically runs from February 15 through June 30, with most nests appearing between mid-March and late April. New nests still appear throughout May and occasionally into June. Geese may begin pairing off in early February, and once a pair selects a nesting location, they can be extremely reluctant to leave. As nests are established, geese become more aggressive. Once the female is sitting, the male may hiss, chase, or even attack people walking nearby. Pairs spending extended periods on your property are often an early warning sign that a nest is on the way.

Why Nest Management Is Important

Canada geese often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Young geese also commonly return to the area where they hatched once they reach breeding age, typically around two to three years or older. Without interruption, the number of nesting pairs on a property can increase over time. Handling nests in spring can drastically reduce the number of geese that remain on your property through summer. Without successful hatching, you avoid large, flightless families settling in for months. Once goslings hatch, adults and young often remain on or near the property all summer. During this period goslings cannot fly, and adults undergo their annual molt, temporarily losing their ability to fly as well. That can leave entire families on your property around the clock, with droppings, damaged landscaping, and interference with normal property activities. Preventing successful nesting is one of the most effective ways to reduce summer goose populations and the problems they create.

Our Proactive Nest Management Program

Our proactive program begins before nesting season. For clients enrolled ahead of time, we obtain the required federal nesting permit, monitor your property closely, and often find nests before they become a problem. Because our border collie handlers visit properties daily, we become familiar with the behavior and movements of the geese on each property. When pairs begin establishing nesting territories, we recognize the warning signs and know where to look for potential nests. That early detection lets us address nesting activity before it becomes a significant concern for employees, residents, or visitors.

Authorized Goose Nest Removal & Egg Addling

When a nest appears in a high-traffic area, we can schedule authorized nest removal or perform egg addling as appropriate. Egg addling is a wildlife management technique that prevents eggs from successfully hatching, helping reduce the number of goslings produced on a property. Nest removal may be appropriate when nesting geese create problems near building entrances, sidewalks, parking areas, or other heavily traveled locations. Removing a nest does not always solve the problem, though — geese may attempt to establish another nest shortly afterward, which is why continued monitoring and deterrence are important. Our goal is to determine the most appropriate solution for each situation while reducing future nesting activity.

We Handle All Required Federal Paperwork

Canada geese, their nests, and their eggs are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and nest and egg management requires appropriate federal authorization. Chesapeake Goose Control handles the required federal nesting registration and authorization process on behalf of our clients, as well as all required federal end-of-season reports, submitted on your behalf. From obtaining authorization before nesting season to completing the required reporting afterward, we manage the entire process for you.

Emergency Goose Nest Removal Services

Not every nesting problem can be anticipated. Sometimes a pair establishes a nest unexpectedly near a building entrance, sidewalk, parking area, or another location where people regularly pass, and an aggressive male begins defending the area. If you're facing an unexpected nest or aggressive pair, we also offer emergency nest management services. We can typically respond the same day, depending on scheduling and availability. Our team will evaluate the situation, obtain the necessary federal authorization, and determine whether nest removal, egg addling, or another management strategy is appropriate.

Get Ahead of Nesting Season

From early detection in February through late-season nests in June, we provide consistent, professional nest management that reduces conflicts and helps keep your property cleaner, safer, and more comfortable throughout spring and summer. Whether you need ongoing nest monitoring, egg addling, authorized nest removal, or emergency assistance with an aggressive nesting pair, our experienced team can help. Don't wait until nesting geese become a problem. Get a free site evaluation.