Residents Distressed by Destruction of Goose Eggs

In a recent event at the Hyde Park Place apartments in North London, Ontario, the removal of two Canada goose nests by Old Oak Properties has left residents deeply saddened. The nests, which contained over half a dozen eggs, were destroyed as part of a wildlife management effort, causing an uproar among the local community.

The Removal Process

Nancy Plessis-Belair, a resident of the apartments, recounted the distressing scene where a “bang machine” was used to scare the geese away from their nests before the eggs were taken. Old Oak Properties, in a statement to CTV News London, confirmed that the action was taken to encourage the adult geese to vacate the area, under a ‘damage or danger’ permit obtained from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The company aimed to manage the goose population without completely eliminating it, citing the property’s struggle with an overabundance of geese.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The incident has raised questions about the legality and morality of disturbing wildlife, especially protected species like Canada geese. Brendon Samuels, coordinator of Bird Friendly London, highlighted the protections under the Migratory Bird Convention Act, which makes it illegal to disturb a migratory bird’s nest once it contains eggs. Although the property management’s actions were technically legal due to the obtained permit, Samuels questioned the necessity of such drastic measures and advocated for proactive strategies to prevent nesting in unwanted areas.

Community’s Emotional Response

The removal of the nests has not only sparked legal and ethical debates but also touched the hearts of many residents who enjoyed the presence of the geese. Plessis-Belair expressed her deep connection to the birds, stating, “It breaks my heart, I go to sleep at night and I’m just thinking about it, you know. How can someone destroy nature like that? They are so beautiful.” The emotional impact was further compounded when the geese returned to the area, seemingly making distress calls in reaction to the loss of their nests and eggs.

Looking Forward: Wildlife Management and Community Values

This incident underscores the complex balance between wildlife management and community values. As urban areas continue to intersect with natural habitats, the need for humane and effective strategies to manage wildlife populations becomes increasingly apparent. The heartache felt by the Hyde Park Place residents serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections between humans and the natural world, urging a reconsideration of how such conflicts are approached in the future.