There’s something special about watching geese fly overhead. Their pattern in the sky always seems so precise and orderly, as if they’re following a specific plan. It’s no wonder that these waterfowl have been featured in folklore and mythology all around the world!
In this guide, we will take a closer look at these fascinating creatures in Florida and learn more about their behavior and ecology.
What type of geese are in Florida?
There are three types of geese in Florida, the Canada Goose, the Snow Goose and the Egyptian goose. The Canada Goose is the most common, and you can find them in nearly every park or body of water across the state.
The Snow Goose is less common, but can be found in some of the northern parts of Florida. The Egyptian goose is the rarest of the three, and can only be found in a few locations in southern Florida. There are more geese species in Georgia and even more geese types in Alabama.
Egyptian geese are new residents in Florida and have caused some issues as they have taking over parks, golf courses and even a parking lot in Southern and central Florida! Whilst they are not native, the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission reported that they are now considered resident geese. They mainly eat aquatic plants and plant material.
The Florida Parks and Recreation department do use scare tactics to remove Geese from parks including noise and chemical repellants as they can be a considerable nuisance in the nine counties they are in (including Miami dade).
Like other bird species, snow geese over winter in Florida.
Canada Geese remain the most popular in Florida and are resident year round. Large flocks of canadian geese mate in Florida, and the pairs remain together for life.
Many people have a natural fear of geese, especially the giant Canadian geese, which are large, but remember as long as you don’t get too close to their nest, they will avoid you.
Can you hunt geese in florida?
Geese are federally protected however during hunting season as long as you have a huntice licence, a Florida waterfowl permit, a migratory bird permid and a federal duck stamp you can hunt geese in Florida.
If you hunt on a wildlife management area you will also need a permit and know the season (not the mating season) and bag limits.
Hunters will need a hunting license, a Florida waterfowl permit, no-cost migratory bird permit and a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl. If you are hunting on a wildlife management area, you will also need a management area permit.
Geese in Florida honking