Why are Canadian geese on rooftops?

Answer 1

When my grandparents emigrated to Canada back in the early 1900's, the local aboriginal folks told them that geese will find high ground, rooftops, even treetops during flood seasons. Last Spring in Calgary (2013), just before our legendary flood happened, I noticed a goose family had nested themselves high on one of the posts that had been set up for falcons. The falcons attacked one day and the geese disappeared, hopefully to another safe spot on high ground.
Perhaps a bird on the roof is worth two in the river?
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Excellent observation! For some reason this year more Canadas than ever are now on rooftops.

I am still looking into this phenomena but I believe it has to do with safety. From the highest vantage point in a given area, the bird can see any preditors that may be heading his/her way and escape without harm.

Was this idea to perch high learned from other birds, like parrots, which always seek the highest ground for safety? Or was it the idea of a local Canada that decided to try something new this year, trying to figure out how to best protect his wife on the nest and spread the idea to other members of the flock...where they in turrn are following his lead?

I am not certain. Three out of five of our functioning Canada nests have the males standing guard on the rooftop, looking down upon the female. Odd, because last year, all these fellas were on ther ground.