My 5th and 6th graders are working on a project related to climate. They have data showing a clear trend of increasing waterfowl population in our area. They are now trying to identify a problem in our community related to this. We know they are a nuisance and can be destructive to property and crops. Are there any health or safety related issues or other community problems we are missing? (our city water comes from underground rivers). The solutions to the population problem we have seen try to scare away the waterfowl. Is this really a solution that works for the whole community? Do we have enough wetlands to accommodate the population? Finally, is the overall population of waterfowl increasing, or is it about the same, but they are not migrating as far south?

Hello, This sounds like a great project. Before providing specific answers to your questions, I need a little more information. You mention waterfowl. Are your students studying multiple species of waterfowl, or are they focusing the project on a single species such as Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)? If the students are studying Canada geese populations they might find this webpage helpful: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=canadagoose It provides information about distribution and abundance of Canada geese in Illinois, as well as information about public health and safety issues and measures that can be taken to prevent and control nuisance geese issues. Once I know which species the students are studying I can provide more specific information. Thanks for writing.