Greylag Geese Plague Hamburg's Parks During Breeding Season

Hamburg's popular parks and recreational areas, including the Alster, Kaiser-Friedrich-Ufer, and Stadtpark, are facing an unusual challenge: an overwhelming presence of greylag geese. During their breeding and molting periods, these birds congregate in large numbers, leading to a "perceived increase in the goose population," according to the Hamburg-Nord district office. The abundance of geese has transformed many grassy areas into surfaces covered in droppings, significantly impacting their usability for residents seeking relaxation.

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perceived increase in the goose population

Recreation seekers have repeatedly complained about the "limited usability of numerous sunbathing lawns," a spokesperson for the authority confirmed. The problem extends beyond grassy areas, affecting waterways, sports facilities, and jetties. Some property owners along the Alster and canals have resorted to private measures to deter the geese, highlighting the extent of the nuisance.

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limited usability of numerous sunbathing lawns

Marco Sommerfeld, head of the Nabu Hamburg Vogelstation Wedeler Marsch, explains that the current influx consists of "molting guests" joining resident breeding pairs. In the roughly four-week molting phase, geese cannot fly, causing them to move in larger groups and stay close to water for safety. From April to June, they graze in parks, seeking food. Sommerfeld notes that geese are social creatures and leave droppings where they graze. While goose excrement decomposes relatively quickly, large concentrations create a noticeable and perceived "unhygienic" situation for humans.

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The molting guests

Beyond the aesthetic and hygiene concerns, the dense goose population poses an elevated risk for avian diseases, such as bird flu. The district office expressed concern about the "large number of geese in one place, especially due to the recent increase in animal epidemics." The growing goose population is considered a "difficult-to-calculate risk for the spread of such pathogens." While direct transmission to humans is not a concern, authorities are advising dog owners to keep their pets leashed. If population reduction becomes necessary, egg removal is being considered, with discussions already underway.

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The large number of geese in one place, especially due to the recent increase in animal epidemics