Bird of the Week: Canada Goose

By Tom Stephens

Staff Writer

One of the largest birds common to the Logan County area is the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), which can be as tall as three feet, with a wingspan of over four feet.

The Canada Goose is easily recognized by its large size and coloration, with a black head and neck, and white cheeks that resemble a chin strap.

They frequently, but not always, have a white breast below the neck, as well as a white rump, tan or brown bellies, and brown and black wings. They can also be identified overhead as they travel in a V-formation when moving from place to place.

Once regarded as migratory bird in Ohio, Canada geese can now be found in Logan County pretty much year round. They have adapted to areas that are near water and have large open areas on which they graze, such as large lawns or parks and, as any duffer can tell you, golf courses, which the Canada Goose often regards as its own feeding ground and humans as the nuisance.

A social bird, they are rarely seen without the company of at least one other Canada goose, and are very often seen in flocks of 20 to 30 birds.

Known for their loud honks, Canada geese (or for fans of Letterkenny, Canada gooses), and as with most species of geese, can be aggressive toward any animal they view as a threat, including humans. While there is little danger that the Canada Goose can cause serious injury to a human, this will not stop them from giving a painful bite or peck should someone wonder too close, especially to their breeding areas.

In some areas, Canada geese are seen as a pest or nuisance and over 500 of the birds were recently “euthanized” in northern Alabama after complaints from a Home Owner Association.

Nevertheless, the population of the Canada geese in North America remains stable and, other than the petty complaints of some HOA residents, are not under serious environmental stressors and continue to thrive in Logan County. ■