Geese, eh

On a recent walk up near Penn State Behrend, Daisy and I spotted some Canada geese and goslings. The one goose was honking at us and stayed in front of the family. It was very protective. The other goose stayed close to the goslings, keeping them rounded up. It was cute. Daisy was curious, but more curious about all the goose droppings around us (sigh).



The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is a wild goose native to arctic and temperate regions of North America. It has a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brownish-gray body.

This species breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a variety of habitats. Its nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes, ponds and sometimes on a beaver lodge. Its eggs are laid in a shallow depression lined with plant material and down. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada Geese.

Canada Geese are primarily herbivores, although they sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes green vegetation and grains. The Canada Goose eats a variety of grasses when on land. It feeds by grasping a blade of grass with the bill, then tearing it with a jerk of the head. The Canada Goose also eats grains such as wheat, beans, rice, and corn when they are available. In the water, it feeds from silt at the bottom of the body of water. It also feeds on aquatic plants, like seaweed.

During the second year of their lives, Canada Geese find a mate. They are monogamous, and most couples stay together all of their lives. The female lays 3-8 eggs and both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate. The incubation period, in which the female incubates while the male remains nearby, lasts for 24–28 days after laying. Adult geese are often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one parent at the front, and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away nearby creatures.