Discussion

From our data we came to the conclusion that geese like open water (Table 1).  Geese are often attracted to open water because it gives them a feeling of protection from predators.  Geese are abundant in September through early December, during this time the temperature was usually 32-50°F and water was not frozen (Table 1). 

It is possible that we miscounted geese or did not notice that there was actually open water when we thought that there was none.  Because we did not perform any counts in the parks during winter break, December 20, 2003 through January 19, 2004, we cannot be sure that there were no geese at this time.  But based on previous data, it seems likely that there were no geese during this time period to count (Table 1).  Counts were performed in the golf course during winter break, but no geese were counted.  There may have been geese though because we were not counting all areas of the course, only three holes, but it’s unlikely. 

  We found information off the Friends of Lake Wingra website that showed in Fall, 2001 through Spring 2002 a similar project was performed resulting in the same conclusion.  The students conducting the study also came to the conclusion that when there was no open water, there were no or few geese.

  As a group, we came up with and researched some methods of reducing the number of geese in the Madison area.  The one method that we found to be a plausible one would be to plant large grasses in front of the ponds in the parks.  This would obstruct the geese’s view of the water and possibly limit their feeling of protection, making them move elsewhere.  This could pose a potential problem, though, in the golf course areas as it would impede on the ability of the golfers to see over the water hazards.

  Future individuals or groups wishing to study this subject should consider counting geese everyday.  This could provide them with more accurate data.  If all areas of counting were counted on the same days at the same time, it could greatly improve the accuracy of the data and provide better results. 

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