Honk if you’ve learned to appreciate and respect these geese! Once considered a symbol of wilderness, this goose has adapted well to civilization—out of necessity. These well-known (infamous to some) birds are ubiquitous in urban and suburan water hazards, ponds, and parks. As their habitat has been lost or degraded, they’ve simply adapted to living around humans and showing us the value of collectivism and protecting your people with pride and fierceness. They were nearly driven to extinction in the early 1900’s due to unregulated hunting and drainage of wetlands. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 established regular hunting seasons and limits.

Canada Geese are particularly drawn to lawns for two reasons: they can digest grass, and when they are feeding with their young, manicured lawns give them a wide, unobstructed view of any approaching predators. Hence their spring and summer diets are mainly grases, and winter diet is mainly berries, seeds, and grains. If you’ve ever watched a family or two of geese foraging together, one or two adults will often be the ‘lookout’ for predators, while the others dine in a moving line.

As you might guess, Canada Geese breed in Canada and into the very Northern U.S., but are common in most of the U.S. at this point. Their coloring is well-known, with a brownish-gray body, black head and neck, and a white chinstrap. Goslings are fuzzy and yellowish-gray until older.

These geese mate “assortively,” choosing mates based on similar size. Pairs mate for life, and remain together throughout the year with their young, flocking with other families. They nest in colonies, and even after fighting over territories, often still nest close to each other depending on habitat. They’re also known to defend readily. Canada Goose threat displays may involve head pumping, bill opened with tongue raised, hissing, honking, and vibrating neck feathers. When an intruding goose doesn’t retreat, geese may grab each other by breast or throat and hit each other with their wings. It’s best to not approach them head-on, seen as threatening, but keep a distance at an angle, waiting for them to pass—and they do!

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame. Alternative hardwood frames available upon request.

Sources: All About Birds and Audubon Society.