Pair of geese claims prime real estate in downtown Edmonton

A pair of Canada Geese has claimed some prime real estate in downtown Edmonton and residents of the downtown condo building are in a flap over the unlikely squatters. 

The geese have taken up residence inside a large planter atop the Churchill Exchange Building on the corner of 102nd Avenue and 100th Street.

The birds showed up on the expansive rooftop patio overlooking Churchill Square in early April, and immediately began building a nest of twigs and down.

Resident Rob Heath says a nesting pair occupy the balcony every year, but he's uncertain whether these are the same geese.

"I don't think it's these two that have come before — I think it's been their parents. But these two were looking for a place to nest, and they decided to become our neighbours."

Heath, who ganders at his new neighbours every morning through his sliding patio doors, is looking forward to the day when the tiny collection of opal eggs becomes a gaggle of goslings.

But as for the other building residents, well, the geese seem to be ruffling feathers.

"They're quite noisy, especially in the mornings. They can honk up a storm so they're waking people up," Heath admits.

"I love the fact that they're there, but some of my neighbours might not share my enthusiasm, because they don't have the bird's eye view of them that I do."

Despite the racket, Bella Management & Realty Ltd. is doing its best to accommodate the building's feathered friends.

Because Canada Geese are a protected species, residents have been told the patio is off-limits until the birds vacate their nest, which Heath estimates will happen in about a month.

"I hope they're successful in their nesting venture, because I've been told if they are successful, they'll come back every year," Heath said. "I feel really kind of privileged that they've chosen us to cohabit with."