Countdown To Spring A Bird A Day - Day One

By Kimberly J. Epp

By now you have likely heard the honking of the Canada Geese as they are making their way back to their breeding grounds. A group of geese is known as a gaggle. Hearing their arrival is a sure sign that Spring is on its way.

Canada Geese are known for having perfect windage. They can maintain their speed despite adverse winds. Although some birds do occasionally drift or get blown off course by the wind, studies have shown that radio-tagged geese maintained a constant speed as well as a straight track by compensating changes in the wind direction and speed.

Canada Geese at Plaxton Lake (photo by Kimberly Epp).

Canada Geese fly at an average speed of 65 kilometres an hour when migrating, but can fly up to 110 kilometers an hour if they catch a strong tailwind. Their annual migration can be up to 4,800 kilometers, and they are able to fly up to 2,400 kilometers in one day if the weather is good and they are able to catch a good tail wind.

When Canada Geese fly, they typically fly in a "V" formation. So, why is one line always longer than the other? There are more geese in that line. You may groan now!

Actually, they fly in a V-formation for better efficiency. The formation makes the flock more efficient with a lead bird and two diverging lines behind. The vortex of air created by each flapping set of wings gives lift to the bird behind. The formation also allows them to maintain better visual contact and communication for navigation. They also occasionally rotate to give the lead Goose a rest.

Stay tuned for a different bird each day as we count down to Spring. This wildlife weekend's feature creature is also all about the nesting habits of the Mountain Bluebird.