Goslings hatching: safety reminder

Friendly reminder: the newest arrivals of 2026 are hatching on campus

This is a follow‑up to the nesting‑season guidelines we shared earlier this spring. 

It’s that time of year again! Canada Goose clutches have officially begun to hatch across Fanshawe campuses. 

Goslings typically hatch in April and May, after about 25–30 days of incubation. Within 24 hours of hatching, they are able to walk, swim, and closely follow their parents in search of food. Because of this, you may see goose families on the move – sometimes even crossing parking lots or campus roads. Please slow down, stay alert and give them plenty of space. 

What to expect—and how you can help 

• Adult geese are extremely protective of their new families and may hiss, honk, flap their wings or approach you if they feel threatened. Keeping a safe distance helps reduce stress for everyone. 
• Do not try to separate goslings from their parents, even if they appear to be wandering or clustered with other families. 
• You may notice areas marked with safety cones. These identify active nesting or rearing sites and help guide people away from sensitive areas. 
• Goose families often choose urban nesting sites such as planters, rooftops or other structured areas, sometimes near spots where goslings take their first “leap of faith” toward nearby water. 
• You may also see crèches, where several families group together with one or two adult pairs supervising many goslings at once. This is normal behaviour. 

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Important reminder: Canada Geese are legally protected 

Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. It is illegal to disturb, move, harm or interfere with the birds, their nests or their eggs. For this reason, geese and goslings cannot be relocated. In most cases, the best and safest approach is to give them space and allow nature to take its course. 

If you observe a family in a genuinely dangerous or land‑locked situation (such as a high‑rise or area inaccessible to food or water), please contact local wildlife services such as Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation for guidance. 

Help us keep everyone informed 

If you notice a new nesting or rearing site, please email Corporate Communications so we can update our community posts and campus information. If you happen to take photos or videos from a safe distance, feel free to share them; we’re happy to help showcase these seasonal visitors with everyone. 

Thank you for helping make Fanshawe a safe and respectful place for all members of our campus community, including the feathered ones! 🐣 

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Common nesting locations 

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

• Flower planters outside E building next to Lot P1
• Courtyard area between A and E buildings
• Green roof above D1063, visible from the walkway between A and D 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 and most recent reports this year. If you know of other locations or if you see a new nesting location, please tag us in social media or send a quick note to Corporate Communications so our list can be updated. 

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