Happy Monday fellow animal lovers.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready for another week.  It has been a struggle to get today’s Wild Fact to you as my Internet has been down all day.  Alas, it came back on just before bed so you are all lucky enough to read about the Canada Goose today.  Yes, the Canada Goose is a famous bird native to the arctic and temperate areas of North America.  Let’s see if we can find something you didn’t know about this awesome bird.

The Canada Goose is a fairly large bird measuring 76-110 cm (30-43″) in length with a wingspan of 127-180 cm (50-71″).  Wow, their wingspan is almost 6′ across.  Not too shabby!  The Canada Goose is distinguished by their black head and white chinstrap.  I suppose with those colours they are like the penguins of the north.

Anyone living in North America is probably aware that geese migrate long distances.  In fact, the V-shaped pattern of flying geese is typically a sign that summer is approaching (or the opposite when they are migrating south).  As you can imagine the lead position in that V pattern is the most difficult spot to be in.  Since it is such an energy draining position the geese will usually rotate the leader of the group.  In the milder climates such as California they don’t need to worry about this since the Canada Goose has become non-migratory as there is plenty of food and cover available throughout the winter months.

There are two purposes for the “Flying V”.  I alluded to the first and probably the most important reason for this flying pattern.  It is believed that geese utilize the “drafting” effect.  Basically, the goose in front provides a wind break for the one behind it which makes flying long distances possible.  If you are a long distance cyclist then you are probably aware of this drafting effect.  The second purpose of the “Flying V” is for coordination purposes.  This close knit pattern allows them to communicate quickly and efficiently to change speeds and direction.  Who would have thought the Letter V was so important.  I don’t believe Sesame Street taught me the true importance of this letter.

Canada Goose Fast Fact – A pair of geese will generally mate for life.  Although, when one goose dies, the other will typically find another mate.  I am not sure what the proper length of time is for mourning but I am sure the goose knows.

That does it for today’s Wild Fact.  See all of you tomorrow.