Our visiting Canadian geese

Park City is under the path of migrating Canadian geese in the spring and fall season. The love to land around our golf courses because there is plenty of water with fish and grass to feed on they are part of our yearly life. 

The other night we were wondering how far the go and how long it takes them to complete their migratory journey. These birds are native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and some can be found during migration across the Atlantic in northern Europe. 

So where do they go? Well somewhere in the southern US where winter is not as cold and more comfortable. I assume our visiting birds push into southern Utah, Arizona or Nevada. Since they’re afraid of Trump’s wall and don’t quack in Spanish they avoid going south of the border into Mexico. 

Now how far? Well, its something like between 2,000 miles (3 200 km) and 2,500 (4 000 km) and it takes up to 10 weeks to get to their destination. How high do they fly? Canada geese fly in their distinctive V-shaped flight pattern, with a usual cruising altitude of 3,000 feet (1 000 meters) for migration flight in non mountainous regions. 

No one is sure about their maximum flight ceiling, but some have been reported flying as high as 29,000 feet (9 000 meters). The geese flying in “V formation” has been the subject of many studies, especially now by aircraft manufacturers and airlines. The front position is rotated since the bird flying there consumes the most energy. 

From a speed standpoint, Canada geese leave the winter grounds more quickly than the summer grounds. The birds, that live between 10 to 24 years, nest in always use the same route and the same sports for their migrations even though some decide to quit migrating and stay put in a fair weather place all year round.

Finally, breeding season for Canada geese is between February and April, depending on the climate. Geese mate once a year. So, now you’ve got the full story about these migrating birds that visit Park City!