Please do not feed
For years, more and more Egyptian geese have been gathering on the banks of the Main, which has led to the displeasure of many pedestrians and cyclists. Not only do the animals eat away the green areas where they gather, they also leave droppings on the cycle paths and footpaths.
In mid-July 2019, a total of 172 Egyptian geese, as well as 2 Canada geese, around 60 swans and other water birds, including 7 mallards, were counted on the banks of the River Main in Offenbach between the Carl Ulrich Bridge and the Mathildenviertel district.
One reason why the Egyptian geese feel so at home there is the food that is put out despite the ban. Anyone who feeds the birds must expect a fine of up to €500.
Another reason for the high number of geese is the moulting season: during the summer months, the geese lose their feathers. The birds are unable to fly until the new feathers have grown back. During moulting, they rest in large groups in places where they find optimal conditions for breeding and rearing. From the end of August, these large groups break up again, the geese disperse and move on.