Since the beginning of June I've noticed large flocks of Canada Geese flying North (OK, so I spend a lot of time on the deck drinking beer) I've lived all my life in Northern Ont. and this is the latest that I've seen them heading North. Their migration is about 2 or 3 weeks later than usual. Being the curious sort I did a bit of research just to see if they have enough time to make their destination, mate, lay eggs and have their brood big enough for the return trip South. Here's what I found out.
- The eggs typically take about a month to incubate. The process is faster the farther north the geese nest since the summers are shorter.
- Five weeks after the goslings hatch, the females begin moulting (the males begin right after mating). During this time, the adults are unable to fly.
- The adults regrow their flight feathers and are ready to fly at about the same time as the goslings are able to learn - at nine weeks old.
- In autumn, as soon as the young are strong enough for the trip, they begin their migration south.
- Geese can cover up to 1000km/day when migrating
(DLTK's Sites)
Lets do the math.
- Today is June 10th. It will take a week to travel to the high Arctic. Arrival (June 17th)
- Lets give them another week to mate, find a suitable nesting site and lay their eggs. (June 24th) I'm such a romantic.
- 4 more weeks for the eggs to incubate (July 22nd)
- 9 more weeks before the kids are ready to fly (Sept. 20th)
- another 2 or 3 weeks before they are strong enough to migrate (Oct 11th)
That's a tight schedule. Hope they packed the Viagra.
Pool temp: 14c (58f)
If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there
