Goose populations this year

[trevj]

Canada Geese and other waterfowl go through a 4 to 6 week molting period generally sometime between the end of June and August. They are unable or barely able to fly during this period and often seem to disappear completely. Obviously they are very vulnerable and are just keeping a low profile. They will reappear in the next few weeks and one will be able to get a much better indication of actual numbers.

This. They moult out, in time with the offspring production, so you are more like to see them if you get to walking near their nesting areas. Not so much out on open water.