Wild geese ( or ducks) - Ask Extension
2 wild geese arrived at my house 4 days ago. Male and female, the male is banded. They aren't a nuisance and seem to be enjoying the food I put out f...
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Wild geese ( or ducks) #929467
Asked April 24, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT
2 wild geese arrived at my house 4 days ago. Male and female, the male is banded. They aren't a nuisance and seem to be enjoying the food I put out for the squirrels and birds.
My concern is that there are 6 abandoned cats next door.
I wouldn't want anything to happen to
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Feral cats can be troubling for birds at bird feeders. The photo you submitted has a pair of mallard ducks. Cats usually go after smaller prey, such as songbirds and mice, but they could potentially attack the ducks.
Unfortunately, there aren't many good methods for keeping cats out of an area. Cats can climb most fences. They may already be attacking songbirds that are attracted to your feeder. You might consider putting up a trailcam to monitor their activity.
If you are still concerned, you could stop feeding the birds for a while, and hopefully the ducks will take up residence someplace else. Although there will probably be predators in any location where they relocate.
There are also animal rescue organizations that you can work with to trap and spay/neuter the cats.
If it is possible, maybe using binoculars, to read the band on the duck, you can report it at https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/Bander_Portal/login/reportband.php
Unfortunately, there aren't many good methods for keeping cats out of an area. Cats can climb most fences. They may already be attacking songbirds that are attracted to your feeder. You might consider putting up a trailcam to monitor their activity.
If you are still concerned, you could stop feeding the birds for a while, and hopefully the ducks will take up residence someplace else. Although there will probably be predators in any location where they relocate.
There are also animal rescue organizations that you can work with to trap and spay/neuter the cats.
If it is possible, maybe using binoculars, to read the band on the duck, you can report it at https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/Bander_Portal/login/reportband.php
My concern mainly is that the geese get back to their flock on the Grand river.
One has a band on his leg, making me think it's part of a study.
If it is possible, maybe using binoculars, to read the band on the duck, you can report it at https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/Bander_Portal/login/reportband.php
These are mallard ducks, and they usually form pairs for the breeding season, rather than act in flocks. If they did want to get back with their group, they can fly.
These are mallard ducks, and they usually form pairs for the breeding season, rather than act in flocks. If they did want to get back with their group, they can fly.
