Each spring geese return to their place of birth or to areas where they have previously nested. They mate in February and March and begin nesting in April. Beginnings in early April nests are located and the eggs oiled (coated with corn oil). Nesting season is over in early to mid May. 

During this period geese should be allowed on site for the purposes of mating and nesting. If geese are prevented from returning and nesting in known locations, the geese will nest anyway, somewhere in the vicinity, but in places where GeesePeace volunteers or you may not be able to locate the nests. The result is you still have goslings on your site. If nesting is taking place near your water body/property, it is also important that all property owners are contacted and encouraged to participate in the egg oiling program. Geese parents will walk their goslings to the water body closest to where they were born. 

When there are few or no goslings, the effectiveness of the other integrated strategies is greatly enhanced. When there are goslings, geese parents will not leave  and other members of the flock will also stay around.

See Seasons for Canada geese calendar.

All egg oiling requires permission either from Home Owners Association for nests on common areas, private property owners for nests located on private property or local, state, or federal government (depending on jurisdiction). For example last year Fairfax County obtained a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service allowing them to oil eggs anywhere within the county with the written permission of the property owner.

GeesePeace conducts egg oiling training workshops around the country. Contact GeesePeace if you are interested in attending one of these workshops.