Harmful for humans

But while these waterfowl sightings can be a source of entertainment for people and provide an up-close glimpse of wildlife not often available in urban environments, many biologists and researchers feel their presence is ultimately undesirable, both for the birds and for people. The USDA outlined several of the threats posed by mallards and geese nesting in urban landscapes:

• Reduced water quality and general health risks due to excessive concentrations of fecal material
• Injury to people due to aggressive behavior of nesting geese
• Damage to landscape plantings and turf grass from overgrazing geese
• Reduced enjoyment of public places such as parks, beaches and golf courses