Thread: City greases up eggs to stop goose guano

MONTEREY, Calif. - In an effort to eliminate bird droppings, the city is smothering goose eggs with vegetable oil. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has permitted the city to addle or oil-coat Canada goose eggs in nests for the past five years to stall bird popullation growth.

"The droppings are so large, and the volume of droppings is so great, it's really not pleasant for people to even come into the park. You really have to watch your step," city park superintendent Doug Stafford said.

The depredation order is granted to prevent damage or contaminate land.

The goose flock has become a familiar sight at El Estero.

"They don't seem to be going back to Canada too much," Stafford said.

The city has spent about $6,000 a year for a dog to harass the geese into moving, Stafford said, but using corn oil to smother the eggs is much cheaper. The addling operation runs from March 1 to June 30.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070605/ap_on_fe_st/odd_oily_goose_eggs;_ylt=AnTVwUBU3GYVls4S9OnaLeouQ E4F

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