It’s that time of year again. It’s spring quarter and the mallard ducks and Canada geese are waddling around campus as if they, too, are full-time students with a 12-credit course load. What the duck?
There are four distinct migration flyways located throughout North America. California is located in what is known as the Pacific Flyway. While this flyway covers the west coast of North America, the Atlantic, Mississippi and Central flyways span the rest of the continent.
Mallard ducks and Canada geese are often seen gathering on the De Anza College athletic fields at dusk, begging for food across Stevens Creek Boulevard at Memorial Park or relaxing near the Kirsch Center on the south side of campus.
“Most people are very tolerant of the [ducks and geese]” said environmental sciences instructor Vicki Jennings.
According to Jennings, the Mallards are a common species of ducks and are native to the Bay Area. In addition, Canada geese have the largest local waterfowl population. Their numbers are so high that although they are native to the area, their presence is beginning to be seen as somewhat of a nuisance.
The reason these feathery friends return to De Anza year after year is because of the plethora of nesting and resting options they have close to the De Anza campus, said Jennings.
During the spring, the waterfowl typically split their time between the De Anza campus, the Stevens Creek Reservoir and Memorial Park as well as other areas close to De Anza that allow the ducks and geese access to water.
“They’re really friendly,” said communications major Alex Sandoval. “I give them bread.”
Jennings advises against feeding the ducks and geese. The inherent danger is that with overfeeding comes dependence (and expectancy) for food from humans.
The flighty fiends haven’t been without their dramatics.however. Peace officers sometimes must drive them off the road, altruistically preserving their livelihood.
In late April, three baby chicks were saved from the fountain in the Sunken Garden after a student reported that they were unable to get out of the water, said Peace Officer Support Coordinator, Maureen Gates.
In addition, some of the fowl have been killed during their attempt to cross Stelling Avenue, said Jennings.
These wild creatures mostly keep to themselves and don’t appear to be much of a distraction on campus. However, hanging out at De Anza may not be the safest place for them.
LOOSEY GOOSEY – Geese will often swarm about De Anza College’s Sunken Garden looking for leftover food from students’ lunches. Pictured is a mating pair of Canada geese that frequent the water structure and utilize it to cool from the spring heat. (Mitchell Weinstock/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
GAGA FOR GOSLINGS – A mother goose tends to her gosling (or young geese), showing them how to properly keep their tufts clean. This cleanliness is not only essential to their health, but keeps them more aerodynamic while in flight in their adulthood. (Mitchell Weinstock/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
(Mitchell Weinstock/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
DUCKY DIP – The mallard duck is common. The group of ducks (left) uses De Anza’s L-quad fountain to take a swim, while some strays beg passerbyss for food (right). (Mitchell Weinstock/LA VOZ WEEKLY)
