Geese shift southbound path away from Vermont

Snow geese have largely stopped using Vermont as a migration corridor.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologists report a sharp decline in the number of snow geese passing through the state. Andrew Bouton, the migratory game bird project leader for the agency, said a few decades ago, more than 20,000 snow geese moved through Vermont each year. Today, that number has dropped to a few thousand.

Bouton attributes this change to the birds’ search for specific food sources. He noted that the geese now fly across Lake Champlain and head south through New York. That region offers more grain farming and more leftover waste grain than Vermont, which often cuts corn for silage.

Silage serves as winter livestock feed, while waste grain from harvesting provides a preferred meal for migrating waterfowl. Bouton monitors these landing pads to track how the birds move. He observes that the available food dictates the birds' routes.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife department works to maintain food-filled landing spots across the state. Amy Alfieri, a biologist with the agency, explained that the long migration burns many calories. Therefore, providing food sources is essential for the birds' survival.

Farmers across Vermont contribute to these food sources by leaving waste grain after normal harvesting. This creates a buffet of wild and planted foods for the waterfowl. The agency aims to offer a varied diet, not just a single type of feed.

Ducks continue to snack their way through the state as they head south. Observers can still see these avian visitors flying over Vermont. They use the local food sources before continuing their journey to warmer waters.