Winter Movements and Habitat Use by Greater Snow Geese

Abstract

We studied local movements, feeding patterns, and roost site use of 38 female greater snow geese (Chen caerulescens atlantica) radiomarked at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on the Delmarva (Del.-Md.-Va.) Peninsula from October 1990 to March 1991. In early (Oct-Nov), mid- (Dec-Jan), and late (Feb-Mar) seasons, mean distances traveled by marked birds from roosts to feed (5, 11, and 4 km) and between roosts (4, 23, and 11 km) differed seasonally (P 0.05), but use of tidal saltmarsh differed seasonally (P 50% from early (27.9%) to late (12.1%) season. Seasonal differences in use of harvested corn (P < 0.0078) were evident as geese fed heavily in cornfields in early (56.5%) and mid-(46.2%) seasons, but use decreased in late season (32.8%). Use of small grain fields (green vegetation) for feeding differed seasonally (P < 0.0001) as they were used little in early season (5.7%) but became the most important feeding habitat in late season (34.6%). Overall, radiomarked snow geese used a variety of habitats and dispersed widely over the Delmarva Peninsula and into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Provision of green vegetation in fall (e.g., small grains) may help satisfy dietary needs of geese and reduce local destruction of tidal saltmarsh habitat by feeding geese, but this likely will increase winter survival and ultimately lead to an increased population size. Therefore, the complex issue of habitat management on and near the refuge will be particularly important as the greater snow goose population continues to increase.