Pair of geese claims prime real estate in downtown Edmonton

A pair of CanadaGeese has claimed some prime real estate in downtown Edmontonand residents of the downtown condo buildingare in a flapover the unlikely squatters.

The geese havetaken up residence inside a large planteratopthe Churchill Exchange Buildingon the corner of 102nd Avenue and 100th Street.

The birds showed up on the expansive rooftop patio overlooking Churchill Square inearly April, and immediately beganbuildinga 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 beforeI think it's been their parents. But these two were looking for a place to nest, and they decided to become our neighbours."

Heath, whoganders at his new neighboursevery morning throughhissliding patio doors, islookingforward tothe 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 beruffling feathers.

"They're quite noisy, especially in the mornings. They can honk up a stormso 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 eyeview of them that I do."

Despite the racket, Bella Management & Realty Ltd.is doing itsbest to accommodate the building'sfeathered friends.

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

"I hope they're successful in their nesting venture, becauseI've been toldif 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."