Echo Park Lake: More About the Birds Moved Last Week

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Duck & Geese Relocation Frequently Asked Questions

Which birds were relocated?
The bird relocation involved 60 non-migratory domesticated geese and ducks. It did not include migratory wild birds.

When were the geese and ducks relocated?
The geese and ducks were relocated in late January 2012.

Why were they relocated?
In fall 2011, coyotes were seen attacking these birds at Echo Park Lake. With the birds’ safety and well-being in mind, the project team worked with wildlife experts, community members and representatives of the Department of Public Works and the Department of Recreation and Parks to find other parks with lakes where the birds can be relocated.

Who conducted the relocation?
The Echo Park Lake Rehabilitation project team hired a wildlife biologist to conduct the relocation.

Where are the birds now?
The birds were relocated to MacArthur Park and Lincoln Park. These parks were selected among all the options that were considered because of their similarity to the conditions at Echo Park Lake. This will help the birds adapt easily and quickly to their new homes.

What considerations were made during the relocation?
•    Birds that typically stayed together at Echo Park Lake were relocated to the same park.
•    The number of birds introduced into their new homes was determined by the wildlife biologist depending on a number of factors including the existing bird population and size of the parks.

How were the birds relocated?
The relocation team led by a wildlife biologist herded the birds into 4’H x 8’L x 4’W holding pens that can hold up to 15 birds at a time. The birds were safely transported in multiple trips between Echo Park Lake and the other parks.

Were there any unhealthy geese and ducks relocated?
No geese and ducks needing special care or were determined to be unhealthy were found onsite during the relocation.

Were eggs relocated too?
There were no nested and viable duck and goose eggs onsite during the relocation.

Will the geese and ducks be returned to Echo Park Lake after the project is completed? No. Relocating the geese and ducks can cause stress to them. In this particular case, relocating the birds was a better option that allowing them to be continually exposed to coyote threats. The project team will not subject the birds to further stress by relocating them back to Echo Park Lake after the project is completed. However, nature can take its course and the bird population at Echo Park Lake may repopulate later.