Geese Coming Home
The weather is strange here lately. The temperature has been going up and down, rising to Spring temps and then falling back to Winter cold. I wonder what the migratory birds are thinking of this.
The other day I was on my way to the store when I passed a line of geese. It seemed like they had just flown south for the winter and yet here was a flock back already. They looked as if they were walking home, wherever that might be, after a winter retreat in a warmer climate.
Today the temperature was in the high 60s but tomorrow it should be in the 30s. Will the geese be as surprised as I am about the variation in the season? Will they be confused about their decision to come back?
As the climate warms up, I wonder if the geese migration will change. Perhaps it is inborn and they will continue in their usual pattern or they may adapt and shift when or if they migrate. Nature is always interesting to observe. Meanwhile, Welcome back geese!
https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/animal-facts-canada-goosetiming
http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/ca/facts/birds/canada_goose.html
©2022 Ferida Wolff for SeniorWomen.com; photo by Ferida Wolff
An essay on keeping geese from PETA* (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
The Hidden Lives of Ducks and Geese
Mighty Ducks
Ducks are outgoing, social animals who feel most at ease when they’re in large groups, which are called “paddlings” when on water. They spend their days looking for food in the grass or in shallow water, and they sleep with their paddling-mates at night. They’re meticulously clean animals who keep their nests free of waste and debris, and they enjoy preening their feathers and flaunting their beautiful plumage for potential mates. In nature, they live for up to 10 years.
Skilled swimmers and fliers, they can travel hundreds of miles each year during their migrations. Like geese, they fly in formation for protection and to reduce air resistance, and they can travel at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour!
