Banded goose at Genoa NFH. Photo credit: USFWS.

Genoa National Fish Hatchery is well known for its fish, mussel and dragonfly culture. However, it also serves as a nesting ground for several bird species, including the Canada Goose. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources bands geese each year along the Mississippi River as part of a national effort. This information helps biologists monitor populations and migration patterns, among other things. We saw this as a great opportunity to partner up and help collect some of this crucial data

Typically, the end of June is when this takes place due to the fact the adults are molting and unable to fly. Goslings have also grown to a size where they are able to accept a band as well. This year, we had a flock of about 60 birds using the ponds. On June 20th, WDNR, volunteers, and hatchery staff descended on the birds’ pond of choice. We were able to herd them up into a nice patch of hatchery lawn and set up shop for the DNR banders to work their magic. After a couple hours of work, we had 55 geese with new jewelry released back to the pond. We hope to make this an annual stop for the WDNR bird banding tour! We’re excited to start getting information back from these birds, hopefully this fall!

By: Nick Bloomfield