Day 52: Canada Goose

I'm sure everyone will recognize today's bird, the Canada Goose. Since these birds are often found in populated areas, many people have funny goose stories or tales of a run-in. Some think Canada Geese are up to no good (our friend Joe thinks the geese at his work pond are evil), while others can't wait to see them build a nest and hatch babies each year.

A native to North America, the Canada Goose breeds in Canada and the northern U.S. and migrates farther south in the winter. In Maryland and other mid-range states, geese can be found year-round. During migration, they fly in the typical V-shaped formations. The front position in the V is rotated since flying in front consumes the most energy.

Canada Geese have a characteristic black head and neck with a white chinstrap. Canada Geese are mainly herbivores, but sometimes they will eat insects and fish (or human fingers, watch out Joe!). I'm not making that up, entirely. According to Wikipedia, "Geese have a tendency to attack humans when they feel themselves or their goslings to be threatened. First the geese will stand erect, spread their wings and produce a hissing sound. Next, the geese will charge. They may then bite or attack with their wings."

Source

During our adventures around Maryland, we have seen thousands of Canada Geese. Normally, we only pay attention to them if we are looking for a different species of goose hiding in the sea of black and grey bodies.

For the past two years at work, a mother goose has decided to make a nest in our parking lot. One of my coworkers, Cami, took these pictures last year. Gratuitous cuteness ahead!