In early fall, hundreds of Canada geese gather on a wild stretch of the Rideau River in Ottawa, displaying exuberant behavior as they migrate. Ottawa naturalist Michael Runtz explains that these geese include both migratory birds and year-round residents, with the latter mainly being the “giant” subspecies, Branta canadensis maxima, which often cause urban nuisance. These hefty geese are notorious for invading parks and public spaces, impacting local ecosystems and human activities. Their presence reflects a blend of natural migration and anthropogenic influences on wildlife behavior.
