Foster City geese management shows early promise

The geese have been more than just a nuisance for city residents. The increase has reduced water quality within the lagoon, as the high amount of fecal matter introduces health risks, such as the spread of pathogens like E. coli. The feces can also fuel algae blooms and degrade lagoon water quality, city staff have said.

Toward the end of last year, wildlife consultants began actively monitoring and hazing geese in some of Foster City’s most heavily used parks. Dan Biteman, senior wildlife biologist at Wildlife Innovations — the firm implementing the management plan — provided the City Council with a detailed update on how the plan’s initial phases are unfolding during a Feb. 17 meeting. Since September, the consultant has installed 12 motion-activated cameras across seven parks, including Edgewater, Marlin and Sea Cloud.

The cameras, placed on lawns and beaches and programmed to capture images every 15 minutes, recorded 8,725 geese between Aug. 14 and Dec. 31. Goose activity peaked in October, particularly at Boothbay, Edgewater and Marlin parks, before shifting toward Sea Cloud Park in November and December.

Biteman said fluctuations are more likely a result of seasonal behavior rather than the program’s successes or failures, especially during such early stages.

“The drop in November is likely related to pond-hopping time of year, when geese start moving around to fatten up ahead of breeding season,” Biteman said, adding that by February, geese are focused on pairing and nesting.

Active hazing and deterrence began mid-January, which involve handheld lasers, a quadcopter drone, a trained border collie and a remote-controlled amphibious boat — however, some strategies are more effective than others.

“Geese do not appear to fear the drone when on the water in most cases,” Biteman said. “They are able to herd geese with the drone, but they seem reluctant to fly in most cases, indicating a lower level of discomfort.”

However, the remote-controlled boat has proven highly effective.

“Geese fly quickly after it is put on the water,” Biteman said, adding that lasers have also worked on land, however, they cannot be used over water due to safety concerns.

The city has also captured and banded seven geese, fitting them with GPS neck collars to better understand movement patterns. Data shows many geese roost overnight in Belmont Slough and nearby wetlands, with some traveling as far north as Coyote Point.

City staff emphasized that the program remains in its early stages, with initial implementation focusing on baseline monitoring, securing permits and preparing equipment, according to a city staff report.

More intensive habitat modifications — including audio deterrents and temporary islands — are expected to be rolled out after nesting season, as the city continues its three-year pilot program.