DISCUSSION

Our research related to summer geese activity in Zones 1 and 2, time, and weather yielded several unexpected trends.  From our observations, we concluded that goose presence in Zones 1 and 2 increased dramatically in the late summer, from mid-July through August.  Our low numbers for the month of June may be skewed due to camera malfunction, which prevented us from determining counts from June 6 – June 20.  However, since the counts before and after this time period in June were low, and the average number of geese per observation was significantly lower than July and August, we concluded that geese are not active in either Zone 1 or 2 during the month of June.  The number of geese counted rose steadily during late July into August, with the highest number of geese counted during August.
 
We hypothesized that the vegetation buffer would decrease geese presence in Zone 2, in general, and specifically, during the late summer when it has reached full height.  However, the observations did not support this hypothesis.  In fact, Zone 2 had the highest geese counts, and geese counted in Zone 1 were usually observed near the border of Zone 2.  The vegetation buffer did not appear to deter the geese, as geese were observed walking through the buffer into Zone 2.  While the vegetation buffer may be effective in deterring migratory geese presence in Zone 2, we speculate that resident geese are now familiar and comfortable with the buffer which has been in place since 2005.  Because they are familiar with the surroundings, they may realize that predators are not a threat in Vilas Park, and, therefore, the buffer does not discourage their activity in Zone 2.
 
Future studies could replicate our methods, utilizing camera footage from the summers of 2005 and 2006, and in summers to come.  Comparisons of geese presence in Zones 1 and 2 over the past three summers (and future summers) could confirm our speculation that the resident geese are now comfortable with the buffer, although it may have had a deterrent effect when it was initially planted.  Based on our observations, the vegetation buffer is currently ineffective and other measures may be necessary to curb the geese nuisance in the park.
 
Our analysis related to time showed that geese presence in each zone did vary, according to time of day.  The counts were the low at 12:00pm for both zones, so it appears that geese are inactive and/or occupying other zones during this time.  Geese tended to occupy Zone 1 later in the day, with higher counts occurring at 4:00pm.  The highest counts for Zone 2 occurred at the 8:00am observations.  Perhaps this is because the human presence in Zone 2 increases during the afternoon, discouraging the geese, and they tend to stay in Zone 1, leading to the higher counts at 4:00pm. 
 
Our analysis related to weather did not show significant correlations.  Geese presence in Zone 1 and 2 seemed to be random and not associated with rain, temperature, or wind.
 
As the vegetation buffer was planted with the intent of deterring geese in Zone 2, where playgrounds exist, this study questions the effectiveness of this strategy.  As nearly 600 geese were observed in Zone 2 during the months of July and August, other management techniques may be necessary to control the geese activity.  Other techniques originally recommended by the Madison City Council included a trial use of trained dogs, and egg oiling.  These strategies, along with enhancements of the vegetation buffer may be necessary to limit geese population and activity in community recreation areas. 

Camera shot of geese in Zone 1 with goslings.

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