October 16, 1998

     Canada Geese

Migrating and resident flocks of Canada geese are often seen gleaning in harvested fields of Minnesota and Wisconsin.  It's when traveling long distances that these geese fly high and in the well-known v-shaped flocks, which experience has taught them is the easiest and most convenient for rapid flight.

It's always a thrill to hear their honking, and to see these large brownish-gray birds with long, outstretched black necks and white cheek patches.  Although their flights look heavy and labored, they are really strong and swift.  They're very agile for such big birds.  When flying about their feeding grounds, or on other short flights, they fly in compact or irregular bunches.

The population of the giant race of the Canada goose is growing at a fast rate; this growth has become very evident in the Twin Cities area, one of the homes of the "giants."  Male giants weigh about 14 to 16 pounds and females 10 to 12 pounds.  Smaller races of Canada geese might weigh a little more than 5 pounds.