Time To Research: A Look At the Life of Canada Geese

January 06, 2019

Time To Research: A Look At the Life of Canada Geese

In the fall of 2017, we moved to Missouri from Kentucky. We bought a lovely house right on the edge of a golf course. The course is sitting among the trees and ponds. There are Canada Geese hanging around throughout the year. In the winter the numbers seem to grow. I've been taking a few photos of them and taking a closer look at their interaction with each other. This winter they have been coming right up to our back door, where I've been putting bird seed (for birds!) on the ground. Friday I decided no more geese in the yard...they have been fertilizing the yard to the point of "where do I walk without stepping in Poo..."

Maybe the yard will be greener come spring??

Anyway, I thought it was time to research the life of the Canada Geese...since we are sort of neighbors!

Without opening a book, I've noticed there is a lead goose (on the ground). He is recognized by his unfortunate growth near the beak. Anyway, he is definitely the leader of the flock (of about 50). He is bold and investigates the situation, while the others linger behind and watch until they feel safe to move. When he stops they stop...all standing in perfect stillness and all looking in the same direction. It is a beautiful sight!!

Now for a few interesting facts...

CANADA GEESE

Size: 22 to 40 inches

Black with brown body and white cheek patches.

The bill, legs and feet are black.

A baby goose is called a gosling...the group is a gaggle.

They live about 25 years.

They spend most of the day foraging for food. They are attracted to golf courses because of the fertilized grass (good thing or bad thing?)

They fly in V-formation and are accompanied by loud honking (sort of like a distant barking dog.)

Flying in V adds to a greater flying range, than flying alone. They are conserving energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him. This gives less wind resistance. The V shape also aids in communication and coordination.

When the goose in front gets tired, another goose will take over the front position. Geese will honk to ENCOURAGE those up front to keep up their speed.

Notice, our leader goose...

While looking up info on line, I noticed lots of articles about the Canada Goose and principles of leadership. Here are just a few of those comparisons:

-the geese work as a team

-when the leader gets tired he is relieved by another goose

-if a goose drops to the ground when hurt or sick, two of the other geese will go down with it and care for it till the sick goose dies or gets better.