Canada geese have arrived here about two weeks ago. It is always so impressive and awe inspiring to see flocks upon flocks of thousands in the sky from one horizon to the other. This is finally spring, is what they announce. And the sounds they make, so impressive when they pass you right overhead.
They are huge birds about 30–43 inches long with a 50–71 inches wingspan,... and with very long necks. The male usually weighs up to 14 lbs. They are primarily herbivores, but also eat small insects and fish. They eat different grasses when on land. They also eat grains such as wheat, rice, and corn (mostly what they eat in the fields around here). In the water, it feeds on aquatic plants, such as seaweeds.
We live in Eastern Canada, near Ottawa, about 8 km from the Ottawa River. They fly to the river in the early evening to spend the night and in the early day they come back to the numerous large fields around where we live amongst and the many other areas all along the Ottawa river. They seem to like what remains of corn fields the most. They are long term pair bound animals which make them even more endearing. We love those birds, and my wife and I often jump in the car and go searching for them. It is truly an overwhelming feeling of wonder and admiration when several hundreds of them take flight from a corn field.
Of course they are noted for flying in V formation. Why remains somewhat of a mystery. One theory is that all but the lead bird are able to gain lift from the wing-tip vortices produced by the bird in front of them.. Some however say that the Canada geese fly in V formation only to maintain visual contact and avoiding collisions.
Unfortunately they stay with us but for a few weeks before flying farther north.
