Park City stopover

Each spring and each fall, Park City is hosting huge flocks of Canadian geese on their way from, and to, Mexico. 

The species, that lives from 10 to 24 years, is native to North America, breeds in Canada and in the northern United States, in a wide range of habitats. Known for their seasonal migrations, Canada geese travel from further north during the winter that they spend in Mexico or around the southern US border.

They seem to like the Park Meadows section of our town, just where we live, because of its small lakes and nice golf course where they can feed. In case you didn’t know it, Canada geese are primarily herbivores, including grains, but they sometimes eat small insects and fish.

On land, the bird eats a variety of grasses. It feeds by grasping a blade of grass with the bill, then tearing it with a jerk of the head. Most Canada geese have staging or resting areas where they join up with others. In the fall, their migration ranges from September to the beginning of November. 

The early migrants have a tendency to spend less time at rest stops and go through the migration much faster. The later birds usually stay longer. Canada geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation, at an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground for migration flight, although some Canada geese have been spotted flying at 29,000 feet. 

When they’re flying in V-formation, the lead bird’s job is not simply to guide the other birds in the right direction. Rather, its primary job is to act as a flight engineer, in helping reduce air drag so that the flock can fly for greater distances without expending more energy. 

Also, the birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired, so everyone has a chance to lead. ...Smart geese indeed; have a safe trip to Mexico!