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Articles

Vol. 8 No. 3 (1977)

NOTES: OBJECTS INCORPORATED WITHIN CLUTCHES OF THE CANADA GOOSE

Submitted
August 26, 2025
Published
July 1, 1977

Abstract

While conducting studies of nesting Canada Geese (Branta canadensis moffitti) during 1975 and 1976 along the Columbia River in Okanogan and Douglas counties, Washington, we located six nests in which stones or pine cones (Pinus ponderosa) had been incorporated within the clutches. During a 20-year study along the Columbia River, Hanson and Eberhardt (Wildl. Mon. No. 28, 1971) located two Canada Goose nests which consisted entirely of rocks and reported that geese incubated these objects. We have been unable to find any literature reference reporting rocks or other objects incorporated within clutches of Canada Geese.

References