With Canada geese indulging their nesting instincts on campus, remember to give them some privacy and keep your distance.

The birds are protected under federal law — it is illegal to disturb, damage, or destroy the nest or eggs of Canada geese.

Besides, says Beth Natale, director of student recruitment, it’s a thrill to be able to watch a nest through her office window.

“It’s one of my favourite springtime happenings on our UWindsor campus,” she says. “The mommies are steadfastly standing guard, seated atop of the eggs before they hatch.”

Their mates are also very protective and may become aggressive with people who approach too closely.