You can actually take this a step further... On certain days, preferably when the temperatures are slightly below normal but warmer than the previous day and yet cooler than the projected low/high for the next day, you leave your mount and approach them slowly. Because geese do not understand human language, you need to bridge the communication gap and the most effective way is to try to replicate the deep throaty purr of a large housecat. Geese and cats are natural associates and this, over time, will allow you into their confidence. Once established as a non-threat you can begin the relatively simple task of explaining to them about the dangers to themselves and others when loping slowly across the MUP. Like the *hissing* described in an earlier post, you can "speak" to the geese in a very "breathy" tone where, believe it or not, Pig Latin appears readily understood. Be careful though, you might find that you enjoy spending time with our feathered friends but certainly this will erradicate your geese "problem". I've had such luck with these methods I've actually trained the geese I encounter to keep clear of the MUP, only to surface, surround any rider on a recumbant bike and do the Harlem Shake. It's hilarious.

Seagulls are even more .. omnivorous scavengers, and they dont Migrate away to somewhere else..

I hereby dub thee "Dances With Geese."

I like 'em too. My Canada Goose jacket lack some feathers.

Seagulls are really cool. To me, they are the motorcycle gangsters of the bird realm. If you throw food up at them, they will catch it in the air! Then they'll poop on you.

For the most part they leave people alone like some have said. But here in Mays Landing NJ the Hamilton Mall is over run with the damn things & YES the goose crap is effing everywhere!!!

I remember a couple of summers ago, I watched as they held up all of Rt 40 crossing the 4 lane hwy. But what was the kicker, was as soon as the stubber basterds heard finally cleared the hwy......THEY FLEW THE REMAINING 10 YARDS TO THE LOCAL MAN MADE POND!!! I'm like bloody hell, if you were gonna fly ......then flap your fat asses over the flippin road lmao

I always enjoy watching them fly - especially the way they soar and do aerobatics with barely any wing flapping.

North Carolina is the wintering grounds for large numbers of migratory birds. However, Canada geese have become permanent residents now and they are a Royal PITA. Once they decide to settle in a park, local pond or field, they totally nastify it. We used to stop at a very nice local park on our way to visit the in-laws until it was taken over by geese, and it was essentially unusable after they moved in -- goose crap everywhere. When they decide to cross a street, all of the traffic comes to a halt. It's really kind of humorous in a way and doesn't bother me so much when I am driving my car, but I don't like it when on my bike because geese can bite!

I tried this last night, it more or less worked. 3 different group of geese on the trail. None would have normally required stopping or more effort than altering course slightly. Two groups had begun to move, but sedately, at my approach, and both these groups stepped up the pace _a lot_ when I hissed at them. The third group (which was really one goose, the rest were off the trail) did not move at my approach, and did not move at my hiss. He just hissed back and ducked his head, without moving.

Perhaps I should try the other approach of making friends with them.

I can just see it now, riding your bike, arms out flapping with your hands off the handlebars, hissing and riding through slippery goose crap. Can you guess the outcome? I'd rather fall in mud.

Nobody hates them more than Captain Chesley B Sullenberger. Back in January of 09 when his day got ruined by them over the Hudson River. And not to mention all the passengers of US Airways flight 1549.

I pass by geese most days on my ride into/from work how hang out on the grass between artificial lake and roadway.

Interestingly they totally ignore cars who must slow (and sometimes stop) for them as they get onto the 45mph road. But when I come along on bicycle and see them on or approaching road I make nasty vocal noises and they scatter quickly.

So you perform rap songs?

Must be a different bunch than what we have up here. There are some Canada Geese and a few Snow Geese that drop by the parks every year. The Mallard ducks are pretty forward little quackers and will practically demand to be fed - the geese are fairly shy and hard to get close to - even to take a picture.

I think you need to carry a bag of cats, you can throw them at the geese when they get in your way .

Worst i have to deal with is magpies and ducks who look very upset when you blast them with the horn .

I believe it, I talked to some geese the other day and from their accent i knew that one was Canadian, the other one was Australian and the last one from Texas. They were watching The wonderful adventures of Nils on TV.



Oups sorry it is this one.

I don't know about that. He got the most exciting day of his life, performed a couple of difficult manuevers perfectly and then was (rightfully) lauded as a hero. I bet he'll never have to buy a beer again!

I bet the Geese hate y'all as well.

Slow down, and go around them.

Man, some cyclists are just a litany of complaints! The GEESE are a problem! I deal with them pretty much daily on my bike path and find them better mannered and move out of the way faster than most of the humans who use the bike path. They've learned over time to cling to the edges of the path but yes, occasionally, just like some joggers and peds on the path will wander across without looking.

Solution: slow down and go around them.

And hissing does work- they don't pay any attention to bells or the human voice.

But if you don't like nature get off the bike path and back on the roads with the cars and trucks.

On my bike path I deal daily with suicidal rabbits, clueless geese, scampering rats, directionally challenged squirrels and earlier this year swooped by an owl. I LOVE it! Makes for good stories and sure beats the traffic on the road.

There's a large owl that occasionally accompanies me for a 100 yards or so always from the same spot. It's happened 3 times just after nightfall, it flies parallel to me about 10-15 feet away at the 8 0'clock. Though I'd be surprised it would need my help, I'm thinking maybe it's trying to use my headlight to spot food?

They produce 1 to 1-1/2 lbs of waste per bird, per day. So when you start getting larger flocks they can really mess up a place.

Then you have to get these guys involved. https://www.nebraskagoosepatrol.com/

The larger parks around here get enough dog traffic that you normally don't see many around. Occasionally, you see some without a foot or leg. Those wintered here and survived being frozen into a local pond.

When I was on the coast, there was a grove of trees with an old shed in it I would ride by sometimes. When I'd ride by it at night I had the occasional bat swoop out and nab a moth that was attracted to my front light. Pretty awesome.

I would think the Owl's sonar is superior to a headlight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yps7pgq1TAk

At the risk of sounding like a 60's fllowerchild or gaianut, I like the Canada geese and enjoy it when they come through on the migration. They like to come to the same spots every year, and I know for a fact that at least some of them can recognize and remember you. One pair I got to know would swim across the pond when I called and I didn't often feed them ... while they would sometimes get aggressive with passing cyclists I think it was personal. Specific cyclists, specific riding styles would trigger it. Maybe if you hate the geese they're gonna hate you back.