Ohio Outdoors: Canada Geese are officially a nuisance (but don’t hurt them)

The geese flocks are growing. Go to any open grassy space or harvested field and you’ll witness this phenomenon. They can also be seen flying in formation. Are they migrating already? Isn’t this early? If they are leaving, why do their numbers keep growing?

First of all, Canada Geese are social birds. It makes sense, as there is safety in numbers. In the spring, males and females pair off to build nests and lay eggs. Geese are monomorphic birds, which means that both genders look similar, and both help raise the young (they are very good parents). All summer, the family stays together. As migration season approaches, many families gather together in large flocks to establish traveling groups. These groups make short “practice” flights that help strengthen the newly feathered wings of the young. It also helps them learn the ‘V’ formation they fly in.