Geese V Cyclists

Killbot2000

Interesting article looking at the potential damaging effect a cycle path will have on the Brent geese.

http://www.ecoevoblog.com/2013/03/13/geese-vs-cyclists/

Macha

Can you give some commentary or analysis, rather than just posting a link? Thanks

Mark Hamill

I don't think the writer of the article herself sees it as an issue:

the article wrote:

Birdwatch Ireland lists [the geese's] conservation status as “medium concern”. However, with their current population seemingly in good health and the plethora of suitable habitat which Dublin Bay has to offer, it seems unlikely that an 8 metre wide seafront path would have a major impact on the goose population.

the article wrote:

if you observe the behaviour of geese along the existing cycleway they seem to be remarkably unperturbed by adjacent human activity and continue to forage just below the boundary wall. Surely the same coexistent relationship between cyclists and geese could be forged south of the Liffey?

the article wrote:

Rather than an issue of cyclist vs. geese, perhaps this story is really a case of scape geese taking the blame for a council’s reluctance or inability to fund and implement a new development?

hardCopy

Speaking from my own experience, I see far more of them on football pitches in St Annes park than I ever see along the coast.