Nest-site selection by Emperor Geese and Cackling Canada Geese

Differences were found in habitat structure between nest sites of Emperor Geese (Chen canagicus) and Cackling Canada Geese (Branta canadensis minima) during a 5-year study (1982-1986) at Kokechik Bay, Alaska. Emperor Geese tended to select sites that afforded concealment from avian predators before incubation began. Cackling Canada Geese tended to select sites that enhanced avoidance of mammalian predators. Emperor Geese selected sites in areas away from open water, with tall dead vegetation adjacent to the nest site. Cackling Canada Geese selected sites close to shores of smaller ponds having more islands, and sometimes nested on islands, evidently enhancing avoidance of mammalian predators. During springs with heavy snow cover (>50% of surface covered on 25 May), both species selected sites appreciably different from sites selected during springs with light snow cover (