Limitations on Canada Goose production at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge

At Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, only 18 to 34 Canada Goose goslin gs were fledged per year from 1989 to 1993. In addition to the number of br eeding pairs, a wide variety of variables can influence goose product , inc luding clutch size, and nest, egg, and fledging success. We examined these variables at Fish Springs in 1996 and 1997 by finding and monitoring nests, and then following broods. We found that despite a limited number of breed ing pairs on the refuge, production was further limited by poor ground nest success and low fledging success. Only 51.2% (n = 22) of ground nests prod uced hatchlings vs. 86.4% (n = 19) of platform nests. Of all eggs that hatc hed, 36.8% (n = 57) fledged successfully. Predation and human disturbance a re discussed as major factors contributing to mortality.