Goose Migration
Facts Regarding Goose Migration
While goose migration paths or flyways, and the times of migration may vary somewhat from species to species, their paths are fairly similar. It is mainly the ultimate destinations which may vary somewhat.
The two major species of geese in the United States are the Canada goose (the most numerous), and the Snow goose. The Brant, a cousin of the Canada goose is also quite numerous. All of these species migrate, with Snow goose migration probably being most typical. A sure sign that goose migration season has started, is the appearance in the sky of large V-shaped formations. When you see the familiar V, the goose in question is the Canada goose. The Snow goose on the other hand, moves from place to place in a loose formation resembling a white cloud. Brant, when migrating, fly low over the water in lines which wave, bunch up, and spread out.
Some goose migration paths have become shortened over the years, as more waste grain is left in the fields than was once the case. When geese find plentiful food, and the weather is tolerable, they will tend to stay, at least for a while, instead of flying on. Some Canada geese seem to have given up migration altogether, and stay at one place, in such numbers that they risk becoming pests.
To get a good idea of what goose migration paths are like, we can look at the four major flyways of migrating Snow geese. These geese spend their summers in the tundra and arctic regions of Canada and Alaska, the Hudson Bay region, Greenland and Eastern Siberia. They will spend the winter months in the Gulf Coast region, the mid-Atlantic states, California, Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
The distances covered by these birds is really quite remarkable, but remember, they can travel fast, upwards to 60 mph for most species, and are capable of going long distances between stops. As winter approaches, they are quite capable of keeping ahead of the storm and cold fronts.
The westernmost migration path, the Pacific flyway, is from Siberia and the west coast of Alaska, south through the Pacific Northwest states to California and the Southwest. In the mid-US, goose migration is from the North Slope in Alaska to the Plains states. This is called the Central flyway. A third migratory path, the Mississippi flyway, is from arctic Canada and Hudson Bay, to the Plains states, the Great Lakes area, and the Gulf Coast. The fourth flyway, the Atlantic flyway, is from Baffin Island and Greenland, to the Mid-Atlantic States. These are the fall routes, the spring routes are of course in the opposite direction.
While fairly broad, goose migration patterns are quite well defined. This does not mean that the geese migrate from point to point. Rather they will migrate to a general area, and where they stop depends upon food supply, temperature, and security. If they find a spot they like, they are apt to visit or stay at that spot in future years, but it mostly depends upon the weather. Next time you see a “V”, or a “cloud”, wave, and wish them a safe journey.