ADVICE FROM OWLIE
Q: Dear Owlie,My class went on the Water Discovery field trip about two months ago, and I saw so many cute animals in the park. There was a cool looking bird I liked a lot, and I wanted to show it to my parents. I brought them to the park with me today, but it was nowhere to be found. The bird had a long black neck with a black and white face, and I believe my teacher said it was a Canadian Goose. I would appreciate it if you can please tell me where to find the Canadian Goose because I want my parents to see how cool they are too! Thank you so much for your help Owlie!
See you soon!
Bird Seeker
A: Dear Bird Seeker,
I’m so glad you want to share that experience with your
parents! My favorite part about the tour is getting to see all the cute animals
roaming around the park as well. From what you described, it looks like your
teacher was correct! The Canadian Geese do have black and white faces with long
black necks, and they are a very interesting species we have here in the park!
They are one of the largest geese in the world and can weigh up to 20 pounds.
That is one large bird! The Canadian Geese need open water to dive for food and
swim away from land-based predators. Over the cooler seasons, the Canadian
Geese fly South to find warmer bodies of water that are not frozen over. The
Canadian Geese often return to the places they were born, which is why they
tend to fly back home as the climate gets warmer. I’m sorry you didn’t get to
show your parents the Canadian Geese today, but if you come back when the
weather here is a little bit cooler, you might have a little more luck! Until
then, you can still show your parents all the other cool birds and ducks we
have around the wetlands. Hopefully you all get the chance to see some of our
Mallard ducklings with their parents!
Have fun and be safe!
Owlie