The foul fowl are back

PaugusBayFireFighter · 04-07-2015, 06:17 AM

The first geese of the season arrived on my lawn yesterday afternoon. The open water and grass are a welcome mat for the geese. In 6 weeks the chicks will be everywhere. It will be interesting to see how they react to drone attacks.

tis · 04-07-2015, 08:30 AM

Oh no! They are back!! Do you have a drone?

BroadHopper · 04-07-2015, 08:55 AM

This is where we should have a season for loud pipes! Scare those poopers back to Canada!

Chickie · 04-07-2015, 12:18 PM

From snow season, to mud season, to poop season. Ya can't win!

SAB1 · 04-07-2015, 12:19 PM

Yes, loud pipes with full chokes!

PaugusBayFireFighter · 04-07-2015, 12:27 PM

Yes tis, the drone is ready. I hope to get some good video but these drones are small and the wind can be a problem. Since I'd be flying close to the water I'd only risk it when the wind is light. Should be fun watching their reaction. If history repeats they will eventually ignore the drone like they do other deterants.

tis · 04-07-2015, 04:20 PM

Will you share? Actually I am thinking of buying my own drone, though I know not a thing about them!!

Jersey Ed · 04-07-2015, 04:50 PM

Would it be possible to put a speaker on the drone and pipe sounds, such as a shot gun being fired or dogs barking as it was flown over the geese??

Merrymeeting · 04-07-2015, 05:09 PM

PBFF, please don't take this as a troll comment, nor do I mean to start any rat holes about the pros/cons of lawns. But your initial post leads to the question...is changing/removing the lawn an option as that seems to be the #1 attraction for these pests?

ITD · 04-07-2015, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

Yes tis, the drone is ready. I hope to get some good video but these drones are small and the wind can be a problem. Since I'd be flying close to the water I'd only risk it when the wind is light. Should be fun watching their reaction. If history repeats they will eventually ignore the drone like they do other deterants.

Roman candles make a great backup plan.

PaugusBayFireFighter · 04-07-2015, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

PBFF, please don't take this as a troll comment, nor do I mean to start any rat holes about the pros/cons of lawns. But your initial post leads to the question...is changing/removing the lawn an option as that seems to be the #1 attraction for these pests?

No worries with the troll stuff. Good question as it IS the reason for the geese. Geese love freshly mown healthy grass. Our lawn is exactly what they love. As far as removing the lawn. NEVER! The family business is landscaping so there's kind of an obsession to keep the place 'landscaped'. Keeping a lawn plush and green through the year using only the fertilizer allowed is very difficult unless you put a lot of time into it. That being said, I have no room to complain about the geese. We set the table. It's mostly our fault they come. They don't hurt anybody, they just crap all over my lawn and walkways. I will never hurt them but I will harass them and try to keep them away.

PaugusBayFireFighter · 04-07-2015, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITD

Roman candles make a great backup plan.

Roman candles attached to drones would be better!

tis · 04-07-2015, 06:35 PM

They take the easiest places first. My neighbor was bragging that they didn't bother him because he had almost no lawn and it is a little steep to climb up on. Well, guess what? They found him! They like to hang out on a beach too. I love my grass too and would never give it up. I would rather complain about the geese.

SIKSUKR · 04-08-2015, 07:59 AM

Here is some natural ideas that make sense.

http://www.wildgoosechasers.com/dete...-deterrent.php
Stabilize Shorelines

Geese are discouraged if access to water is difficult and includes a vegetative barrier. It is best to use a combination of deciduous, evergreen, and seasonal perennial color to provide an aesthetically pleasing yet effective landscape barrier or goose deterrent.

Canada Geese prefer a gentle, grassy slope coming out of the water that enables them to easily walk into and out of the water to feed or rest. This provides a clear line of vision to avoid would-be predators and provides them easy access to the water. If access to the water is poor, the adult geese may leave that area to raise their young elsewhere.

Rock barriers make good goose deterrents. To steepen the shoreline, build a vertical seawall 3 feet above the surface of the water or create a 63-degree angle from the water's edge. Then allowing vegetation to grow tall along this slope will help protect it from erosion and keep the geese from walking up.
Rock Barriers – Place boulders that measure two feet or more in diameter along the shoreline. This will deter geese that prefer walking out on banks that are bare and gently sloping. Using a vegetative barrier in combination with the rock barrier increases its effectiveness.

Vegetative barriers are also used as geese deterrents along shorelines. These vegetative buffers need to retain their mature height throughout the year and be 10’ wide to be effective. The tall, stiff-stemmed, native warm season grasses are an ideal plant for this purpose since they maintain an upright form and height throughout the winter. Keep in mind, if you mow this vegetation, you will have eliminated the barrier. Some mixtures of cool season grasses and legumes can also function as an effective “goose deterring” buffer strip.

Most reputable landscaping companies and custom seed establishment facilities are able to provide plant selection specific to the needs of the area needing to be modified. The objective is to create a solid buffer strip that establishes a physical barrier at the shoreline. A landscape professional can help you reach your objective taking into consideration other factors like cost, how long the plants will live and be effective, the surrounding environment and soil.

Merrymeeting · 04-08-2015, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

The family business is landscaping so there's kind of an obsession to keep the place 'landscaped'.

Sounds like an opportunity!

Advertise yourself as the company that can show how to landscape in a way that is more natural to the area and keeps the geese away!

(PS: I do understand. Before selling our prior home, I was known to be obsessive about our lawn and proud to have one of the lushest ones in the area. But I have to say I'm now enjoying the idea of Springs free of fertilizing, liming, mowing, edging, etc)

brk-lnt · 04-08-2015, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

The first geese of the season arrived on my lawn yesterday afternoon. The open water and grass are a welcome mat for the geese. In 6 weeks the chicks will be everywhere. It will be interesting to see how they react to drone attacks.

The chicks can be very tasty. Pluck feathers, gut, dress with olive oil and rosemary, in the oven at 325 for 20-30 minutes.

I've found the eggs are only so-so for omelettes though.

BroadHopper · 04-08-2015, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

The chicks can be very tasty. Pluck feathers, gut, dress with olive oil and rosemary, in the oven at 325 for 20-30 minutes.

I've found the eggs are only so-so for omelettes though.

I thought the feds consider the geese off limits to hunting or killing?
It would be nice if our elected officers give us a geese season!

PaugusBayFireFighter · 04-08-2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Sounds like an opportunity!

Advertise yourself as the company that can show how to landscape in a way that is more natural to the area and keeps the geese away!

(PS: I do understand. Before selling our prior home, I was known to be obsessive about our lawn and proud to have one of the lushest ones in the area. But I have to say I'm now enjoying the idea of Springs free of fertilizing, liming, mowing, edging, etc)

Only problem is we are located in Waltham and only do commercial properties. A small crew is sent north a couple times a week to tend to the property. I'd be lying if I said I do anything to that lawn other than passing out on it.
If someone wanted to pay a landscaper to come 2-3 times a week I'm sure they could do what we do. Irrigation system is a MUST. Proper seeding is a MUST. Without proper watering and seeding, all the labor is wasted.

ITD · 04-08-2015, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I thought the feds consider the geese off limits to hunting or killing?
It would be nice if our elected officers give us a geese season!

There is a Canada geese season, actually a couple seasons, but I think it should be expanded and the limits raised.

dpg · 04-10-2015, 06:05 AM

It may be what your talking about when you say Drones but what about one of those nifty remote control helicopters? Their pretty nice and one you spend a couple bucks on really work well and have great control. Thinking you can chase them around from the comfort of your kitchen window if you wanted.

Grant · 04-13-2015, 01:16 PM

Not sure what the F&G laws are re: damn geese, but one way to reduce the population explosion at this time of year is to paint the eggs with a vegetable oil. No oxygen = no development. The challenge is accessing the eggs without pi$$ing off mom & dad!

bclaker · 04-13-2015, 06:54 PM

My wife and I had a late lunch at Patrick's Pub today and as we were getting in the car to leave, a flock of about 100 Canada's flew over going North, with a couple stragglers following.

wifi · 04-13-2015, 07:27 PM

Oh, I heard the honking at Suissevale Beach today

Grant · 04-17-2015, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wifi

Oh, I heard the honking at Suissevale Beach today

If they remain, that will be the (sad) end to that as a swimming or lounging spot.

Leoskeys · 07-03-2015, 04:13 PM

We picked up poop for 20 minutes today. We had pinwheels that worked for two weeks, not anymore! My nrighbor got a slingshot, see how that works!

Chickie · 07-03-2015, 05:00 PM

Excuse me whilst I scrape the goose poo off my shoes. Wouldn'tcha think someone could invent an iRobot to pick up this stuff? The old conventional "stoop 'n scoop" method is so passe and laborious. If cleanup were made easier, it would make coexisting with these guys more bearable and a shrewd entrepreneur could acquire a substantial fortune overnight. Holding the patent to such a device would be akin to owning the goose that laid the golden eggs.

04-07-2015, 08:55 AM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,562 Thanks: 3,180 Thanked 1,098 Times in 791 Posts	Loud pipes This is where we should have a season for loud pipes! Scare those poopers back to Canada! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-07-2015, 12:18 PM	#4
Chickie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 67 Times in 38 Posts	The Seasons of NH From snow season, to mud season, to poop season. Ya can't win!

04-08-2015, 07:59 AM	#14
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Here is some natural ideas that make sense. http://www.wildgoosechasers.com/dete...-deterrent.php Stabilize Shorelines Geese are discouraged if access to water is difficult and includes a vegetative barrier. It is best to use a combination of deciduous, evergreen, and seasonal perennial color to provide an aesthetically pleasing yet effective landscape barrier or goose deterrent. Canada Geese prefer a gentle, grassy slope coming out of the water that enables them to easily walk into and out of the water to feed or rest. This provides a clear line of vision to avoid would-be predators and provides them easy access to the water. If access to the water is poor, the adult geese may leave that area to raise their young elsewhere. Rock barriers make good goose deterrents. To steepen the shoreline, build a vertical seawall 3 feet above the surface of the water or create a 63-degree angle from the water's edge. Then allowing vegetation to grow tall along this slope will help protect it from erosion and keep the geese from walking up. Rock Barriers – Place boulders that measure two feet or more in diameter along the shoreline. This will deter geese that prefer walking out on banks that are bare and gently sloping. Using a vegetative barrier in combination with the rock barrier increases its effectiveness. Vegetative barriers are also used as geese deterrents along shorelines. These vegetative buffers need to retain their mature height throughout the year and be 10’ wide to be effective. The tall, stiff-stemmed, native warm season grasses are an ideal plant for this purpose since they maintain an upright form and height throughout the winter. Keep in mind, if you mow this vegetation, you will have eliminated the barrier. Some mixtures of cool season grasses and legumes can also function as an effective “goose deterring” buffer strip. Most reputable landscaping companies and custom seed establishment facilities are able to provide plant selection specific to the needs of the area needing to be modified. The objective is to create a solid buffer strip that establishes a physical barrier at the shoreline. A landscape professional can help you reach your objective taking into consideration other factors like cost, how long the plants will live and be effective, the surrounding environment and soil. __________________ SIKSUKR

04-13-2015, 01:16 PM	#21
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,499 Thanks: 370 Thanked 228 Times in 123 Posts	Not sure what the F&G laws are re: damn geese, but one way to reduce the population explosion at this time of year is to paint the eggs with a vegetable oil. No oxygen = no development. The challenge is accessing the eggs without pi$$ing off mom & dad! __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

04-13-2015, 06:54 PM	#22
bclaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Laconia Posts: 479 Thanks: 545 Thanked 147 Times in 66 Posts	More Honkers My wife and I had a late lunch at Patrick's Pub today and as we were getting in the car to leave, a flock of about 100 Canada's flew over going North, with a couple stragglers following.

04-07-2015, 06:17 AM	#1
PaugusBayFireFighter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 837 Thanks: 361 Thanked 674 Times in 264 Posts	The foul fowl are back The first geese of the season arrived on my lawn yesterday afternoon. The open water and grass are a welcome mat for the geese. In 6 weeks the chicks will be everywhere. It will be interesting to see how they react to drone attacks.

The Following User Says Thank You to PaugusBayFireFighter For This Useful Post:
MGWillia (04-07-2015)

04-07-2015, 08:30 AM	#2
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,654 Thanks: 747 Thanked 1,440 Times in 1,001 Posts	Oh no! They are back!! Do you have a drone?

04-07-2015, 12:19 PM	#5
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,216 Thanks: 188 Thanked 312 Times in 228 Posts	Yes, loud pipes with full chokes!

The Following User Says Thank You to SAB1 For This Useful Post:
ITD (04-07-2015)

04-07-2015, 12:27 PM	#6
PaugusBayFireFighter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 837 Thanks: 361 Thanked 674 Times in 264 Posts	Yes tis, the drone is ready. I hope to get some good video but these drones are small and the wind can be a problem. Since I'd be flying close to the water I'd only risk it when the wind is light. Should be fun watching their reaction. If history repeats they will eventually ignore the drone like they do other deterants.

04-07-2015, 04:20 PM	#7
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,654 Thanks: 747 Thanked 1,440 Times in 1,001 Posts	Will you share? Actually I am thinking of buying my own drone, though I know not a thing about them!!

04-07-2015, 04:50 PM	#8
Jersey Ed Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 24 Thanks: 231 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Would it be possible to put a speaker on the drone and pipe sounds, such as a shot gun being fired or dogs barking as it was flown over the geese??

04-07-2015, 05:09 PM	#9
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 799 Times in 368 Posts	PBFF, please don't take this as a troll comment, nor do I mean to start any rat holes about the pros/cons of lawns. But your initial post leads to the question...is changing/removing the lawn an option as that seems to be the #1 attraction for these pests?

04-07-2015, 06:35 PM	#13
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,654 Thanks: 747 Thanked 1,440 Times in 1,001 Posts	They take the easiest places first. My neighbor was bragging that they didn't bother him because he had almost no lawn and it is a little steep to climb up on. Well, guess what? They found him! They like to hang out on a beach too. I love my grass too and would never give it up. I would rather complain about the geese.

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to brk-lnt For This Useful Post:
ishoot308 (04-08-2015), PaugusBayFireFighter (04-08-2015), ronc4424 (04-10-2015), secondcurve (04-08-2015)

04-10-2015, 06:05 AM	#20
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,589 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	It may be what your talking about when you say Drones but what about one of those nifty remote control helicopters? Their pretty nice and one you spend a couple bucks on really work well and have great control. Thinking you can chase them around from the comfort of your kitchen window if you wanted.

04-13-2015, 07:27 PM	#23
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	Oh, I heard the honking at Suissevale Beach today

07-03-2015, 04:13 PM	#25
Leoskeys Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 148 Thanks: 131 Thanked 27 Times in 21 Posts	Slingshot We picked up poop for 20 minutes today. We had pinwheels that worked for two weeks, not anymore! My nrighbor got a slingshot, see how that works!

07-03-2015, 05:00 PM	#26
Chickie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 67 Times in 38 Posts	Necessity Is The Mother of Invention Excuse me whilst I scrape the goose poo off my shoes. Wouldn'tcha think someone could invent an iRobot to pick up this stuff? The old conventional "stoop 'n scoop" method is so passe and laborious. If cleanup were made easier, it would make coexisting with these guys more bearable and a shrewd entrepreneur could acquire a substantial fortune overnight. Holding the patent to such a device would be akin to owning the goose that laid the golden eggs.