Canada Geese nesting season at Fanshawe

Having a high-profile feathered mascot like Freddie the Falcon seems to make Fanshawe a favourite stop for many birds! As spring begins, the College is once again delighted to see resident Canada Geese choosing spots around our campuses to build their nests.
 

Canada Goose respect and safety tips

Nesting season runs through early spring, so this is the time when geese may start protecting their chosen areas. To help keep everyone safe and to ensure these protected birds are treated respectfully, we ask that you follow the guidelines below. 

Keep a safe distance 

Canada Geese are highly protective of their nests and mates during the early nesting period. Always give geese and any potential nesting sites plenty of space. 

Recognize warning signs 

If a goose feels threatened, it may hiss, honk, flap its wings or pump its head. These are signals to back away slowly while continuing to face the goose. 

Do not feed the geese 

Feeding geese can lead to dependency on human food, encourage aggressive behaviour, and is unhealthy for them. 

Report concerns 

If you notice a new nesting site or have any concerns, please contact Campus Security Services at 519‑452‑4430 x4400. Reporting helps keep both the geese and our community safe.
 

Note: Geese and nests are legally protected 

Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. It is illegal to disturb, harm or remove the birds, their nests or eggs. Once nesting begins, the geese cannot be moved or harassed. (This also means it is against the law to scare them away.) 

Common nesting locations 

Please be especially mindful around areas* where geese tend to settle: 

• Flower planters outside E Building next to Lot P1
• Courtyard area between A and E Buildings
• Technology Drive between B and C Buildings
• Behind the Norton Wolf sign at the Fanshawe Aviation Centre front doors
• St. Thomas: along Bill Martin Parkway and near the baseball diamonds
• London Downtown Campus: roof of LDB (130 Dundas Street), outside room 503 
   

*This list is based on previous years' nesting patterns. If you know of other locations or if you see a new nesting location, please notify the Security Control Centre. You may also feel free to tag us in social media, or send a quick alert to Corporate Communications so the list can be updated. 
 

Image

Geese foraging at Fanshawe College London Campus

Additional resources 

For more information on how to coexist with Canada Geese, explore:

• Birdfact: Canada Goose Nesting
• Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation: Nesting Season
• Government of Canada: Canada Geese FAQs
• Government of Canada: Handbook for Managing Canada and Cackling Geese in Southern Canada
   

Thank you for helping us keep Fanshawe a safe and respectful home for all its inhabitants – feathered ones included!