Canada Goose

Large, loud and abundant, this emigrant from North America can be a pest, a danger and a tasty meal, as well as good sport, says Charles Smith-Jones.

- Charles Smith-Jones

The Canada is the largest species of goose you are likely to encounter in the British Isles. It is one of the ‘black’ geese, along with the protected brent and barnacle. Unlike that pair, the Canada’s presence here is unnatural and, as its name suggests, it is really a native of North America.

It is said that the first specimens were added to the waterfowl collection in St James’ Park, London, during the late 17th century. From then they became popular features of parks and country estates, although they still remained uncommon in this country until the middle of the 20th century, when feral numbers started to grow. From an estimated 4,000 birds in 1953, the RSPB has suggested that breeding numbers have now increased to 62,000 pairs.

Danger