By Tom Dennis
Canada Goose, Branta Canadensis
The Canada Goose is likely the best known, best-loved and, at the same time, the most hated bird in our area. Many people think only of the mess and inconvenience their droppings make, however, when you consider their beneficial qualities and the fact that, among other things, when flying overhead they elicit fond memories of spring and fall migration, we see the scales tip in favor of this amazing creature. If you love them, read on and you may learn some surprising tidbits about Canada Geese; if you hate them, read on and I hope you will learn to appreciate this survivor that was recently on the brink of extinction. Please note that these birds do not have Canadian citizenship and the proper name is Canada (not Canadian) Goose!
Although easily recognized, Canada Geese have many sub-species that are distinguished almost totally by size. This is common in other animal species such as dogs, horses, and domestic pigeons however, unlike our geese, they show other variations such as coloration, body structure, and skin coverings. All Canada Geese look alike with a black, neck, bill, legs, and head with its white chin strap. They have a pale brown to almost white breast, a white vent area that is quite visible in flight, and dark brown upperparts. Only one other species is difficult to distinguish and that is the Cackling Goose which is much smaller, about the size of a Mallard. Their honking call is well-known and if you’ve ever approached a nest or young birds with the parents you are probably familiar with the hissing and barking warnings. The size of these large birds varies from 32 to 72 inches in length and they weigh from 5.8 to 14.3 pounds. They range throughout North America and are year-round residents locally and in most of the lower 48 states.
During the early 20th century, these birds were in a serious population decline due to overhunting and habitat loss and the giant Canada Goose was thought to be extinct in the 1950s until a small flock was discovered wintering in Rochester, Minnesota. A restoration program was initiated and these giants now number over 10,000 birds. Some subspecies remain in danger however, populations in many areas have rebounded to what some consider “pest” status. Personally, I would rather have too many of any native bird species than see another species missing (and we have a multitude of animals that have been extirpated or have gone extinct in a very recent space of time). If you haven’t heard of the Jack Miner Waterfowl Sanctuary in Ontario, Canada; check it out online; it’s an amazing story of how one man started a movement to protect and restore the population of this beautiful bird.
On the positive side of the “scales”, Canada Geese are beneficial to mankind. They continue to be a managed hunting species providing sport and nutritious food to many. They also are now being raised in developing countries where they provide meat and eggs of high quality and almost no cost due to their herbivore (eating almost exclusively grasses vs. broad-leaf plants) and natural grazing habits as well as their tendency to protect themselves from natural predators. They benefit native environments with seed dispersal and their droppings are a source of natural fertilizer. In the southwestern United States, geese were once used for weed control in special crops such as asparagus, tobacco, beets, onions, potatoes and more. With the introduction of selective herbicides, the geese population declined but with a renewed emphasis on organic farming, geese farming is on the upswing. They are becoming a highly desired alternative where chemical herbicide control isn’t feasible in African countries and with tropical crops such as coffee, banana, pineapple, kiwi, and cotton where chemical control isn’t practices or can’t be used.
You can learn more about the unique waterfowl of the Bluewater Area by attending the sixth annual Winter Bird Blast. Mark your calendar for this event which will be held on the morning of February 8, 2020, and be sure to visit the Blue Water Audubon Society Facebook page for upcoming details. You are also welcome to attend Blue Water Audubon meetings held at The Point, 5085 Lakeshore Rd, in Fort Gratiot. Our next meeting will be our annual “member share” held on Monday, January 6 starting at 6:45 PM.
Tom Dennis is a free-lance writer, passionate birder, zoologist, creation scientist, gardener, and naturalist.
