Lou Dobbs might be off the CNN Network, but he still lives in New Jersey. The fiery populist well known for his advocacy for immigration reform may yet take an official stance on migration reform, specifically migratory birds. New Jersey is hip deep in the droppings of Canadian Geese, birds protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Act of 1918 –http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/migtrea.html. This prevents anyone without federal authorization from killing the geese, disturbing their nests, or smashing their eggs. The statute also applies to dogs who might inadvertently chomp or stomp on an egg.
This law is the impetus for The Bergen County Department of Parks to offer free training sessions for Canada Goose Egg Addling. This is a process where people oil the eggs and place them back in their nests; the oil prevents air from reaching the embryo and effectively prevents another goose for being born. The last two sessions for training in the oiling of goose eggs are on March 4th at the Westwood Community Center, 9am-11am, and 7pm-9m.
Canadian Geese really are no longer migratory, as most residents of New Jersey know. They are considered Resident Geese but still continue to collect all the benefits of Migratory Geese. It is illegal to injure, capture or kill geese (except under federal authorization); disturb geese on an established nest; collect or destroy goose eggs.
Geese can defecate between 28-92 times a day, which is why ballfields, trackfields, beachs and ponds can easily become infested with feces drenched with E-coli. Goose droppings in heavy concentrations can contribute to excessive algae growth in lakes that can result in fish kills, and potentially contaminate municipal water supplies. As for the sneakers and shoes of children and adults alike, forgetaboutit.
Canadian Geese no longer migrate because they have it too good in America. They are well fed, protected, and their numbers well over a million. Now, instead of smashing eggs, residents are being trained in how to circumvent the law by rubbing eggs with oil. Where have you gone, Lou Dobbs, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you woo, woo, woo…Help reform migratory bird laws and save our environment.