Status of Giant Canada Geese Nesting in Southeast Manitoba

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Abstract
Surveys and banding between 1967-1970 delineated most of the nesting range of the giant Canada goose (Branta canadensis maxima) in Manitoba [Canada], which is occupied by 3 population segments with different migration routes. Canada geese nesting S, and perhaps E, of Lake Winnipeg occupy a small range of marginal habitat and number about 3000-4000. About 1/3 of this total congregates at the Alf Hole Sanctuary in autumn. The population during the study was relatively stable with indications of limitation because of delayed breeding and not because of mortality. Recaptures (88) demonstrated a high fidelity of adults to their breeding area and a delayed entry of birds of potential nesting age into the banding site nesting population. Lowered body weights were associated with poor reproductive success in 1 yr. Distribution of band recoveries revealed a strong association with the Rock Prairie of SE Wisconsin [USA], and some geese were recovered in S Illinois and vicinity. SE Manitoba and SE Wisconsin together accounted for 69 and 82% of 58 direct and 85 indirect band recoveries, respectively, the majority being taken in Wisconsin. Yearling geese were recovered in a wider distribution than adults or immatures. A higher proportion of geese banded in autumn was directly recovered outside the main Manitoba-Wisconsin recovery area as compared to geese banded as flightless birds in July, indicating that a segment of the population has a migration path bypassing the main Wisconsin wintering area. Immatures were 1.56 times more likely to be shot than adults, but vulnerability did not vary by geographic area.

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