Do Not Feed The Waterfowl

Feeding waterfowl causes them to concentrate into unnaturally large flocks. It also interrupts normal migration patterns and may create non-migratory, permanent flocks. Geese, in particular, may stop their southward migration short of their traditional wintering grounds.

Non-migratory or "resident" Canada Geese populations in Yarmouth are presently excessive thereby causing significant stress on our environment.  The increased numbers of geese are caused by several factors however, the absence of a true migration instinct is the single most factor responsible for the over- population. In contrast to the migratory Canada Geese, "resident" Canada Geese have lost the instinct to migrate and thus passed it on to their offspring over the last 50 years.  Its not fully understood exactly why the instinct was lost, but environmental factors are partially responsible.  Cape Cod offers Canada Geese the best possible "year round" environment of any region along the eastern United States.  Our usually mild winters combined with numerous ponds, lakes and estuaries are the perfect habitat setting for Canada Geese.  They also have very few natural enemies in pursuit. 

Large areas of grasses such as school athletic fields and golf courses offer the geese an ample and endless food supply.  Canada Geese will eat vegetation only and prefer grass to all other vegetation.  Unfortunately, one Canada Goose will over the course of 3 days leave enough droppings to equal that of one human.  Cape Cod waterways, schoolyards, golf courses and even private homes are all too often fouled beyond belief.  Elevated amounts of coliform bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorous from the geese in combination with other non-point pollutants have led to the periodic closing of shellfish areas and even some bathing beaches.  Increased nitrogen and phosphorous are also responsible for advanced eutrophication in fresh and saltwater bodies.