Diminishing Returns : Fewer Canada Geese Winter in Valley as Open Space Is Lost

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

The Valley’s Winged Visitors

It’s time for the San Fernando Valley’s yearly winter visitor, the Canada goose. Migrating from points north, Canada gese pass through the Valley via the Pacific Flyway. They usually arrive with their young in late autumn, returning north in early March. Over the past four years, the number of gese observed wintering here has dropped from 1,700 in 1992 to 600 in early December.

*

Migration

Migrating geese fly from breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska to their southern winter homes along established routes called flyways that take them over river valleys and coastal wetlands. Researchers divide flyways into mirgration corridors, strips of airspace 30 to 50 miles wide. Geese wintering in the Valley travel the Pacific Flyway.

*

Valley Geese

Canada geese winter in the Valley because of its large, open areas, which provide a number of water and feeding opportunites. Here’s where they congregate and what time of day:

1. Chatsworth Reservoir (days)

2. Pierce College (days)

3. Encino Reservoir (nights)

4. Sepulveda Basin (days)

*

Profile

Great Basin Canada Goose

Size: Weighs up to 15 pounds; usually 8- 10 pounds; 35- 37 inches long, 50- inch widespread.

Markings: Its white cheeks and “chinstrap” distinguish it from other geese.

Food: Small sprouting plants, grain, corn.

Habitat: When wintering in the Valley, perfers large, open spaces near bodies of water.

Breeding: A breeding pair of geese will stay together for life. Both mother and father care for young, which accompany their parents during mirgration.

Sources: Audubon Society; Voyageur Wilderness Books “The Canada Goose,” Kimball Garrett; Researched by JULIE SHEER