Where is the Canada Goose found?
Canada Geese have a growing population that grants them residence within numerous North American regions, such as all of the Canadian provinces and every one of the states in the U.S.A. Canada geese, those who take part in migrations, will spend the summers amid the northern parts of North America, Canada and Alaska, traveling south, down into the United States and somewhat into Mexico, during the winter months. Nonetheless, the Canada goose may decide to establish a permanent home where the weather is tolerable throughout the year; examples of common places in which Canada geese will remain are parks, golf courses, suburban neighborhoods, and additional areas where there are few threats, ample food, and an accessible water source.
How to recognize the Canada Goose.
The Canada goose is one of the larger birds classified amongst waterfowl, being much larger than ducks. There are subspecies of this goose that vary in size by region. Moreover, the body of the Canada goose usually measures 25 to 45 inches in length, they maintain a weight of 5 to 20 pounds, while their wingspan is 4 to 5 ½ feet wide. This goose is easily identifiable; beyond their long necks, they have a striking outward appearance. The Canada goose has a predominately black feathered neck, with white feathers along the base of the throat and towards the outer edge of the eye; they have grey/brown feathers on their breasts, wings, and tail feathers with white at the base of their necks and bottoms. Additionally, the goose has a stark black beak and small dark eyes as well. They are also characterized by their vocalization or, in other words, the “honking” sound that they make; this sound is most frequently heard when they are in a flock, which they remain a part of until nesting season.
When does nesting season begin for the Canada Goose?
Nesting season for the Canada goose begins in the springtime. And one charming fact about this goose is that, throughout their lifetime (25 years), the geese will mate with the same partner. The mother goose will build a nest in a slightly elevated area that is close to a waterhole; the nest will take the shape of a bowl and be filled with down consisting of the mother’s feathers. The incubation period lasts up to 30 days, where the mother alone will stay with the 2 to 8 eggs. Once the goslings hatch, both the mother and father goose will tend to them, soon taking them to the water source. When the summertime begins, the family of geese will then join other families as they once again establish their flock that will remain into the fall migration.
Is the Canada Goose aggressive?
Geese in general have a bad reputation focused around aggression; the phrase silly goose is what some would say to be a paradox since goose appear to be very serious and not at all silly. Nevertheless, the Canada goose is similar to many mammals who become aggressive when threatened and this is especially true when nesting season has begun. In fact, the objective of the father goose is to protect the nest and so, this would in turn result in aggression towards known predators. The list of predators is predominantly founded upon the following: raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, ravens, and eagles, to name a few. To get those noted predators to falter, the goose will inherit an intimidating stance with their neck bowed and wings raised before they do what frightens most, charge.
Is overpopulation a factor of the Canada goose?
Canada goose are a reputable form of game for hunters and this is a way of keeping their population at bay since this goose harbors great numbers. This was not so much the case before the 1900s, when the Canada goose became a protected species after their population began to dwindle. Now that their numbers have picked back up, the goose has taken on the title of being something of a nuisance, due to their overwhelming presence. Because the Canada goose is an herbivore, they have the opportunity of simply finding food within their habitat, consuming leaves, grasses, berries, insects, and crustaceans. But this particular goose also likes grain and this poses a problem to those who have a livelihood founded upon raising agriculture; therefore, hunting as a sport suffices as a resolution. Hunting dogs are even utilized in areas where hunting for sport is not permitted, as a means of hindering overpopulation of the goose. Nevertheless, look up to the skies; flying in orderly V-formations, the Canada goose can be seen soaring over many lands.