Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 24, 1993 TAG: 9310270048
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Patricia Held
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In our area the most common species of goose is the Canada goose. Found throughout most of the United States, the Canada goose inhabits most of our major waterways. It is also common in city parks, golf courses and open fields.
Never refer to the bird as a "Canadian goose." That's comparable to calling a ship a boat and drives some birders absolutely crazy.
The Canada goose is a plump bird with a long neck, short legs and a broad bill. It has a black head and neck with a broad white cheek patch. Depending upon the subspecies, its size varies considerably, ranging from the size of a duck to almost twice as large.
While it is a bird of the northern Arctic tundra, the bitter winters force them farther south. Today many geese have now extended their breeding range into Western Virginia.
Farther east, along the coast, two other species, the brant and snow geese, are also common sights. In addition to our many year-round Canada geese residents, other geese are just passing through. As grains, grasses and marine vegetation become scarce in their summer territories, geese move south in search of a more regular food source. As they travel, they make short stopovers. Sometimes, if food is plentiful and conditions are right, they settle in and stay the winter.
Geese often fly at high altitudes and prefer clear skies with a good tail wind. If conditions are just right, they can cover hundreds of miles in a single day. Weather plays an integral part in their travels. For example, fog causes poor visibility and interferes with their navigation abilities. More turbulent weather may cause the birds to stall behind the major weather systems. The passage of frontal systems often results in sudden waves of migrants passing through.
Along the Virginia coast we can witness a spectacular migration of several geese species including the Canada Goose, brant and snow goose, plus many other birds. Thousands gather in the bays and tidal areas along the coast. While we may not have as spectacular a show here, we are often treated to the sight of the familiar V-shaped formation of geese overhead.
Watch for these birds over the next few weeks. nn
\ It is time to take down your hummingbird feeders. The tiny birds have all flown south by now.
This is also a good time to begin to set out your bird feeders. Be sure to provide a few feed choices for the birds. Some birds will eat any kind of mixed seed, while others have more sophisticated tastes. Sunflower seed, black oil seed, thistle and cracked corn can be placed in separate feeders to satisfy different avian tastes.
In addition to food preferences, different species tend to feed only at certain types of feeders. So, be sure to have a hanging feeder as well as a platform type to keep all of your "dinner guests" happy!
by CNB