Canada Geese : Tracking The Valley’s Yearly Visitors

Southern California might not have much in the way of fall colors,, but it does have one sure sign of autumn-the return of the Canada goose. Migrating from summer nesting sites in Canada and the Great Basin states, these stately birds cruise their highways in the sky, resting or stopping for the winter in the San Fernando Valley.

Canada geese prefer large, safe areas near bodies of water to feed and preen, and the Valley suits their needs. Originally attracted to agricultural areas, the geese come back yearly to several spots to rest and forage.

Until recently, the number of geese wintering or passing through the Valley could only be estimated. But last year volunteers from the San Fernando Valley chapter of the Audubon Society conducted their first Canada goose count. The numbers indicated that about 3,000 geese spent the winter or passed through the Valley last year.

This year’s count may be affected by the Warner Ridge / Pierce College topsoil project. The plan to move dirt from Warner Ridge to Pierce College, scheduled to begin next week, will occur during the goose migration season, limiting one of their major Valley foraging areas.

Valley Geese Canada geese winter in the Valley because of its large, open areas, which provide a number of water and feeding opportunities. Here’s where they congregate: 1. Chatsworth Reservoir (days) 2. Pierce College (days) 3. Encino Reservoir (nights) 4. Sepulveda Basin (days) 5. Van Norman Reservoir (days)

Great Basin Canada Goose Branta candensis moffitti There are up to 12 subspecies of Canada goose, which differ according to physical markings, calls and range. The Western subspecies winters in the San Fernando Valley. Size: Weighs up to 15 pounds, usually 8-10 pounds; 35-37 inches long, 50-inch wingspread. Markings: Its white cheeks and “chinstrap” distinguish it from other geese. Food: Small sprouting plants, grain, corn. Habitat: When wintering in the Valley, prefers large, open spaces near bodies of water. Breeding: A breeding pair of geese will stay together for life. During breeding season four to seven eggs are laid, which the female incubates for 26 to 28 days. Both mother and father care for young, which accompany their parents during migration. The family stays together for nearly a year.

Pacific Flyway Migrating geese fly to their winter homes along established routes called flyways that take them over river valleys and coastal wetlands. Researchers divide flyways into migration corridors, strips of airspace 30 to 50 miles wide.

Migration Most geese that winter in the Valley migrate from nesting sites in Utah and Montana, some from Western Canada. The geese usually arrive here with their young in late October and return north in late February or early March.

How fast do they fly?: About 42 to 45 miles per hour. How high do they fly?: 1,000 to 3,000 feet, sometimes as high as 12,000 feet to avoid mountains. How far do they fly?: About 300 miles a day. They fly day and night, stopping briefly to rest and eat. Why do they migrate?: Greater availability of food and longer foraging days improve their young’s chance for survival. How do they navigate?: Experts believe geese use navigational cues such as landscape, the sun and stars.

V-Formation Geese fly in V-formation flocks of extended families numbering a few dozen to several hundred. Birds fly slightly to the side, behind and above the bird in front to take advantage of the lifting air currents created by the wingtips of the bird ahead (shown below). Power lost at each bird’s wingtip is salvaged and used by others in the flock. Geese flying in the V-formation can fly 71% farther than they could flying alone. Sources: Audubon Society, Voyageur Wilderness Books “The Canada Goose,” Kimball Garrett, Ted Kinchioe; Research by JULIE SHEER.