Walk around the town, followed by more walking and then some more led me to these amazing looking feathered friends.
For those who have seen any of my previous posts on here will remember all the species of birds I've included in my walks. However, there has been an empty spot for one species of bird, which for some reason always eluded me. Why did I always struggle to capture it in a photograph is beyond me, even more so, it's one of the more commonly sighted birds around.
Without further ado, I present to you a species of birds I'm quite fond of, Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis).
It would be inappropriate to just post a couple of photos without giving you some interesting and fun facts:
- There's a rumour going around,...or if I put it more accurately, people believe that Canadian geese are the smartest birds.
- I always seem to remind myself that geese are monogamous throughout their lives unless their mate dies. (I think that's quite sweet, don't you?)
- These particular geese can be very vocal. I've experienced this on every occasion, including today's meet.
- Canadian geese have at least 10 different distinctive calls. So, next time you hear them, it could mean anything, not just 'do you have something for me to eat'.
- Their eyesight is beyond amazing and can see in 180 degrees vertically and horizontally. That can be proven useful during flight.
- Lifespan is somewhere north of 20 years, which is more then a lot of other birds. Sadly, a lot of them don't make it past their first year due to predatory animals.
- Branta canadensis has 11 subspecies.
- Branta canadensis maxima was endangered in the 1900s. Programs were set up to save these geese, and it has been considered too successful. Now they live in residential areas and are considered annoying neighbors to many, but not me or people in my town.
- Canadian geese can travel more than 1000 kilometers in a day while migrating, unlike me, who can't run 10 km and not feeling tired for 3 days afterwards.
- Male and female have different tone to their voice, with female voice being sounding lower.
And last but not least, a fact I would never have guessed, ever, but is also the most interesting I've heard to date.... - Where populations are dense, Canada geese commonly form “gang broods”, those are groups of 20-100 goslings from different parents that move around and feed together accompanied by a few adults. It feel like a massive 'neverending birthday party'.
My ears are still ringing from all the very very loud 'honking'. This is also the only waterbird species that my daughter is affraid of approaching as last year we were chased down the canal's pathway, by maybe even the same couple as seen in the photos. No harm was done on either side, and since they are quite intimidating when charging at you, I completely see why. I think we were well over the boundry inside their protective bubble and that they did not like.
A sight for sore eyes no doubt! Look at this through my eyes; despite seen on so many walks around the town, it's always a treat when we cross our paths. Nevertheless, beautiful waterbirds, great addition to any town, and as long as we keep looking after our wildlife, we'll be seeing them more and more often!
All of the photos are mine as are all the words included in the article.
Thank you for stopping by and take care.