The Canada Goose is a common breeder in the CW Region and many areas in the Midwest. Once thought extinct, the "Giant" Canada Goose was reintroduced in Illinois around 1970 and has since adopted very well to urban landscapes and retention ponds. Numbers have increased dramatically during the past thirty years. Although the sample size is large, the BCN Survey does not adequately monitor urban areas where this species is most frequently encountered. Short term trends may indicate that this species is declining slightly in preserved areas. Photo: © Heather Secker