Canada Goose
Bone
remnants found in the trash pits of prehistoric Indian camps
along the Arkansas River basin indicate that ancient hunters
once sustained themselves on Branta canadensis (commonly known
as the Canada goose, and sometimes incorrectly referred to as
Canadian goose). Although hunting patterns have changed over the
past 2,300 years, these geese remain popular among sportsmen
today.
There are at least 11 recognized races of Canada geese, but some
taxonomists argue that the species actually separate into many
more forms. Each form is distinguished by variations in
geographical range, coloration, structural size and body mass.
Generally, three populations occur in Oklahoma, the Tallgrass
Prairie population, Short Grass Prairie population, and the
Western Prairie/Great Plains population.
Giant Canadas were first released in this state by the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1980. More than 15,000
have been released at lakes such as Sooner, Konawa, Fort Cobb,
Sardis, Murray, Kerr, Canton, the Duncan area, El Reno, Afton
and in the Wichita and Arbuckle mountains.
Despite subtle variations between the seasonal and year-round
residents, the different races appear fairly uniform. All have
black bills, legs and feet, with plump bodies covered with
gray-brown to dark-brown feathers. They have long black necks
and gray wings. A conspicuous white patch on the throat and
cheeks is their most distinctive feature.
Canada geese typically court in late winter, sometimes mate for
life, and begin nesting in the spring. Nests are located on the
ground near water, but these birds also will use man-made,
elevated nesting structures placed in or near water. Four to
eight cream-white eggs are laid, usually one every other day.
The female incubates the clutch for 28 to 30 days, while the
male stands guard nearby. Ganders often rely on intimidation to
ward off intruders. With loud hissing and threatening movements,
the male will advance until the offender retreats.
After hatching, the young are cared for by both parents. Within
24 hours, the young, which weigh only three or four ounces, are
led to water for their first swim. The family unit stays
together in single file, with the gander leading the way and the
female bringing up the rear. Depending on the sub-species, geese
are capable of flight in as few as 40 days after hatching.
Young geese eat constantly. In just eight weeks, they have
attained a weight 24 times greater than they weighed at
hatching. Primarily vegetarians, geese prefer green plants and
grains. In the water, geese feed much like ducks, tipping their
tail up and plunging their heads below the surface to reach
submerged foods. Their bills are quite sensitive, and are used
to "feel around" underwater as the birds dabble for aquatic
food. Tooth-like spikes around the edges of the bills act like
strainers, allowing the birds to retain edible items while
draining excess water. Canadas also frequently feed on shore,
heading upland on foot or wing to graze in the early morning and
late afternoon. They are especially fond of descending on fields
of winter wheat. Wheat is planted at many refuges as a food
source for geese, but farmland surrounding refuges often becomes
an attraction when refuge food sources are depleted.
Adult giants can weigh more than 15 pounds, while the smaller
adult "cacklers" may tip the scales at only three pounds. On the
wing, larger geese can be recognized by their more measured and
shallow wing beats, and slower flight speed. Their calls are
different, too; larger geese have longer, deeper and more
sonorous calls than their smaller cousins.
Though noted for their large V-formations in flight, Canada
geese do not always fly in this manner. Often they travel in
small flocks. When only five or six Canadas are seen flying
together, they are probably a mated pair with their young of the
year. Families of Canadas often remain together through the
winter. Many biologists believe it is this closeness of family
units that guarantees their return to traditional breeding
grounds the following spring.
In July and August, while young are maturing, adult geese molt.
All flight feathers are lost at once, so these now-flightless
birds must remain hidden or seek refuge on open water while new
feathers grow. By mid-August, both adults and young are able to
fly. In September or October, they begin their fall migration.
The migration patterns of the Canada goose have changed over the
centuries, but this species has traveled through Oklahoma for at
least half a million years. Today, the primary migration
corridor extends from north of the Arctic Circle to south of the
Tropic of Cancer, slicing across the prairies of our state along
the way. Thousands of Canadas winter at the Washita, Great Salt
Plains, Tishomingo and Sequoyah national wildlife refuges, but
these birds may also be found during the cold months at any of
the state's larger impoundments. And with permanent populations
of resident Canada geese becoming ever more common, modern
outdoors enthusiasts certainly have many more opportunities to
view and hunt these birds than did our predecessors of long ago!