Spring Migration Arrival: Canada Geese
- Terry Wise
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Every year, the arrival of Canada Geese marks the transition of seasons at Carillon Stonegate Pond. These majestic birds, known for their distinctive V-formation flight patterns, embark on their annual migration journey. As they traverse great distances, Canada Geese find temporary refuge at the pond, drawn by its open water and welcoming environment. This seasonal migration offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to observe and appreciate the wonders of the Canadian Geese migration.
Identification: The Canada Goose is a large waterbird characterized by its long black neck, notable white chinstrap mark, and brown body with a paler chest and a white undertail. It possesses a wide, flat bill and large webbed feet, which various sources describe as black, though some photographs suggest a blue coloration. This species typically measures around three feet in length with an approximate wingspan of five feet. The average weight of the Canada Goose is approximately 12 pounds.
Habitat at Carillon Stonegate Pond: You can find Canadian Geese around here off and on throughout the year depending upon temperatures and open water (i.e., not frozen). They may be seen spending some time in our ponds or flying over during seasonal migration. Or sometimes feeding on our well-maintained lawns!
Flight Patterns: Canada Geese fly day and night, in pairs or flocks. They can travel up to 1,500 miles in 24 hours with favorable winds, reaching speeds of 70 mph. Typically, they migrate at a slower pace in a V-formation, heading north in spring and south in fall. Experienced geese take turns leading the flock, often favoring the right side of the formation.
Behavior: Canada Geese feed by “dabbling” in the water—submerging their head and neck, and sometimes up-ending—or grazing in fields and large lawns. They typically feed in flocks throughout most seasons. Canada Goose threat displays can include head pumping, opening their bill with tongue raised, hissing, honking, and vibrating neck feathers. Each year, Canada Geese molt their feathers and are unable to fly for approximately six weeks.
Diet: Canada Geese exhibit adaptability to various habitats and flourish in areas where grasses, grains, or berries are accessible. In the spring and summer seasons, their diet primarily consists of grasses and sedges. During the fall and winter periods, they shift their feeding preference towards berries and seeds, including agricultural grains, with a notable preference for blueberries.
Residence: Canada Geese are found in every contiguous U.S. state and Canadian province at various times of the year. They inhabit a range of areas near water, grassy fields, and grain fields. Lawns are particularly attractive to Canada Geese because they can digest grass and lawns offer a clear view of any approaching predators while their young feed.
Breeding and Nesting: Canada Geese mate for life, with pairs staying together year-round. They choose mates based on size and typically begin breeding in their fourth year. They nest on elevated ground near water with a clear view. Egg-laying occurs from late March to mid-June, with a 28-day incubation period. Goslings hatch within 24 hours, are covered in yellow down, and leave the nest within a day to walk, swim, feed, and dive. They fledge after 6-7 weeks and start flying at about 3 months old.
Migration: Historically, Canada Geese followed strict migratory paths with traditional stopovers and wintering areas. Today, many geese in urban areas and refuges are permanent residents. In winter, they can stay in northern areas with open water and food resources, even in very cold temperatures.
Conservation Status: There is low concern. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the Canada Geese have seen slight increases in populations. Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population at 5 million.
Vocalizations: Canada Geese make various loud honks, barks, and cackles. They also make hisses when being protective. Here is a link to the sounds of the Canada Goose.
Interesting Facts:
In general, Canada Geese get smaller as you move northward and darker as you go westward.
Most Canada Geese make annual northward migrations after breeding. Even members of "resident" populations, which do not migrate southward in winter, will move north in late summer to molt.
In a pattern biologists call “assortative mating,” birds of both sexes tend to choose mates of a similar size.
The total North American population is estimated to be over 5 million.
For more information on the Canada Goose and sources of information used in this blog (these are the sources that I am using to learn as I blog), please visit All About Birds, Audubon Society and National Geographic. And the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides a wonderful source of information for anyone interested in learning more about birds.
We all benefit from the variety of wetland, forest, and prairie environments that support diverse wildlife, plants, and insects of Carillon Stonegate Pond.
Take a hike and see what you can find – and identify!
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