Git along there little goose!  

Now that spring has officially arrived, the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) located northwest of Airdrie in the tiny hamlet of Madden is asking everyone to watch for migrating bird species, such as Canada geese, and encourage them to move along when searching for a place to nest.  

Spring brings the return from their winter homes for many migrating birds.  According to a media release from the AIWC, when they return they look for a place to nest which is often a place that is high up, and close to a water source.  Unfortunately, this often means they sometimes choose tall city buildings as an ideal place to build their nest.

AIWC wants to spread the word that prevention is the key to keeping geese away from such places.  To prevent geese from nesting in an area you should net off balconies, gardens and other open, outdoor areas.  Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and it's illegal to destroy or disturb nests with birds or eggs in them.

Once goslings have hatched, it is extremely dangerous to relocate them and their parents from a high-rise building, to a safer location.  The best way to protect the birds is to stop them from nesting in poor nesting areas in the first place. 

The institute is asking the public to prevent geese from nesting in these types of areas.  If you have any questions you can call the AIWC's Wildlife Hotline at 403 946-2361.

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation has been in existence since 1993 and is a champion for the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife.  They are accredited through the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and serve the needs of Alberta's diverse wildlife in southern Alberta.   

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.ca. 

The Discover Airdrie Online Auction is on! Click to bid on great local items.