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Nest Structures for Ducks and Geese

Giant Canada Geese
Floating Structures

Floating structures are readily used by Canada geese, but are often plagued with problems (Figure 5). They have the advantages of not being affected by water level fluctuations, can be installed in deep water, provide loafing sites for geese and goslings, and are commercially available. Their disadvantages are that they are usually quite expensive, can be severely damaged by ice if not removed each fall, can be blown to shore by wave action, can become water-logged and sink, and are susceptible to muskrat damage. Because of these drawbacks, floating structures should only be used where other options are unavailable or where special care will be taken to avoid these problems. To prevent floating structures from becoming partly submerged or fish-tailing in high winds, the structure should be tied to a floating stabilizer that is anchored to the bottom. These structures should be placed at least 50 feet from shore, outside any emergent vegetation, and 150 to 300 feet apart.
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