While walking in our neighborhood, I heard the honking not from the busy road, but from the sky. The Canadian goose migration corridor funneling birds from Canada and the northern parts of the U S to Mexico and South America. The Canadian geese can be heard in V formations flying this month. In the past the flocks have been small. It takes at least 5 geese to be considered a flock. This year, we have observed several larger flocks of 20 to 30 birds. The older birds will encourage and support the younger birds and keep the flock on track. They have a internal compass and rely on visual landmarks such as mountains and rivers to find their way.
The flocks are comprised of related geese. Mating of geese occurs in their second year. Mating for life, they will remain loyal to their partner, even after death. Living 10 to 25 years, a female can hatch 50 goslings in her life time.
Canadian geese are protective with very restrictive hunting to insure the bird population.
A Canadian goose is 14 pounds when fully grown. It sports a black head and neck, white back and brown wings and sides of the body.
In recent years, fewer of these birds have been sighted in the fall skies. The climate warming in the arctic as well as smoke from the wild fires can cause the flock to fly hundreds of miles off course. The. extra flying means less time to rest and feed to migrate in the spring.
Additionally, pesticides and heavy fertilizing can harm the geese and their food sources. Sprinkling your lawn with chili powder or cayenne pepper will deter the birds without causing harm. Another deterrent for was to sprinkle grape Kool-aid powder on the lawn to stop geese from staying the night.
We can encourage the migrating birds by giving food, water and a safe place to rest before continuing their flights. I listen as the calls of the geese diminish as they travel south. I realize that many of us will travel the same route south. We are all snow birds.
Snow birds
Cool winds chill our limbs.
Pulling the coat tight, we hurry home.
Pelting drops of cold trickle down the neck.
Temperatures plummet, rain turns to sleet.
Looking at another grey day, we reach for the brochure.
With promises of a warm sunny winter.
Joining the snowbird migration.
carolaspot@aol.com October 23, 2023
traveling up and down the blind highway 