Diving Canada Goose

[wildplacesne]

Hi,
We're currently installing an artificial Sandmartin bank, at the edge of a local pond, and yesterday I witnessed a Canada Goose repeatedly diving and remaining underwater for 15-20 seconds. Each time it dived, it re emerged at least 25 metres from where it submerged. It didn't have any vegetation in it's beak when it emerged, so I'm unsure if it was feeding. I was wondering whether anyone else has witnessed similar behaviour?

[aeshna5]

Sounds like bathing behaviour to me. I have seen geese do this + behaviour is often contagious in a small flock, with others joining in after initiation by the first bird.

[Jonners]

I witnessed a Shelduck do this last year, when it appeared that it was trying to avoid detection. It had been on a piece of beach and had run into the water and then kept diving as it swam away.

[wildplacesne]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Sounds like bathing behaviour to me. I have seen geese do this + behaviour is often contagious in a small flock, with others joining in after initiation by the first bird.

Bathing would probably be my guess too, it appeared very relaxed whatever it's reason. The birds mate was sitting on eggs very close by, and neither of them have been bothered by our presence.

[Fauna]

Originally Posted by wildplacesne

Hi,
We're currently installing an artificial Sandmartin bank, at the edge of a local pond, and yesterday I witnessed a Canada Goose repeatedly diving and remaining underwater for 15-20 seconds. Each time it dived, it re emerged at least 25 metres from where it submerged. It didn't have any vegetation in it's beak when it emerged, so I'm unsure if it was feeding. I was wondering whether anyone else has witnessed similar behaviour?

Hi there...

Just out of curiosity,what type of bank are you installing.

There is one in my place of work that has been up for a good number of years now. Its been very disapointing, i believe it has only ever had one pair use it for a season and thats it.