Pairs may be seen standing on the ice next to last year's frozen nest mounds by early March. Eggs are laid as soon as there is open water for mating and snow-free nest sites. It is not unusual for the birds to continue nesting in spite of temperatures as low as 0 F and snowfalls up to 10 inches. The male, however, guards the female from disturbance by other mature pairs and assists the goose in protecting the eggs, and later, the goslings. So important is his role, there are no cases cited where a female has successfully nested after the death of her mate.
Pair bonding takes place in spring among young geese, one or two years of age.
Once formed, the pair remains steadfast until the death of one of the members. Contrary to popular believe, the survivor normally forms a new bond the following spring, and nests. Natural or human-made islands, muskrat or beaver lodges, or sedge hummocks are frequently used. A clutch of 5-6 white eggs is laid at a rate of approximately one egg every 36 hours. The first eggs are buried in the nest materials which consists of whatever fine materials are available at the site.