ITPAS Nature - Canada Geese

Canada Geese

I wonder if you have heard and seen the wonderful daily formation of Canadian Geese flying in formation over head in the early morning and home again, at dusk? Their 'ker-honks' are unmistakable and waken us every morning at about 6am as they fly to their destination. My attempts to count them have failed miserably but, at times, there have been upward of 50 geese flying and ker-honking across the sky.

On occasions, the flock has settled for a couple of hours respite, grazing in the field behind my house, until the message is issued (I know not from where) and they take off on mass and in formation to continue on their journey.

Their homeward journey between 6pm and 8pm has been even more spectacular as their flight path takes them in front of the setting sun. Absolute magic!

Canada Geese are sociable birds and can form flocks of more than 300. They nest together near lowland lakes and close to marshes and pastures where they can graze. In winter, they abandon their inland waterways in favour of the coast where they feed in the estuaries and salt marshes.

Canada Geese are heavy fliers travelling in a 'V formation across the sky. Each bird gets extra lift from the slipstream of the bird in front. From time to time, the leader drops back to enable another bird to take over the hard task of setting the pace up front.

Our local flock have been making their daily flights for more than a month now - long may they continue !