I’m sure at some point, we all have seen geese flying in a V shape pattern overhead, but what kind of geese are they. I have, like many called them Canadian geese but was told (any goose from Canada is a Canadian goose). So, the ones we see flying above and swimming in the water in the Northwoods are called CANADA geese. Canada geese should not be confused with the Cackling geese. Get that?

What is the difference between the two geese and why do we care?  After looking this up, even though the two geese are virtually identical, the ones we are seeing are Canada geese, because they are bigger, have a longer necks and bills than a Cackling goose. I just had to throw that in there, because the person (JIM) that corrected me on the name did not know this either. If you have or know someone that has lake front property, being Canada geese is the most common in Wisconsin and these are the ones that are a nuisance because of their (to put it nicely) droppings.

Here are a few facts on geese that maybe Jim doesn’t even know.
* Geese are relatives of ducks.
* Geese can live over 25 years.
* Geese have over 20,000 feathers.
* Will lose those feathers twice a year and are unable to fly at that time.
* Their feathers have a layer of fat that insulates them, and they never get wet.
* For being big birds (average 8 to 13 pounds) can reach speeds (tailwind) over 60 mph and can fly 1 thousand miles in 24 hours.
* When migrating can fly at altitudes of 3 to 5 thousand feet but have been tracked close to 9 thousand feet.
* Fly in that V wedge shape to maintain energy. This V configuration reduces air behind the first bird. Geese will fly just above the one in front of them to reduce the wind resistance. When the leader gets tired, it will fall to the rear to regain strength.

There is more I could write on mating and GOSLINGS (baby geese) but that might be a spring subject.