Living

WHEN YOU HEAR THE HONK OF

the Canada geese, you know it’s time to start thinking about unearthing all the hats, scarves and gloves for the upcoming change in season.

Groups of these three-feet-long waterfowl, with their fi ve-foot wingspan, are a common skyward sight this time of year. In V-formation, the Canada geese migrate south to overwinter and many geese will follow the same route year after year.

The V-shape serves two purposes. It conserves their energy; each bird fl ies slightly above the next bird in front of them resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front and falling back when they get tired. This means the group can fl y for long periods of time without stopping for rests. Another benefi t to fl ying in a V-shape is the ease of tracking the other birds in the group. Flying in formation assists with the communication and coordination within the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.

Geese are fairly commonly spotted especially in the summer, swimming in open water, resting near shore, or grazing on lawns or farm fi elds, but the V-formation in the sky is always a sight to behold. Find geese in lakes, ponds, bays, marshes and fi elds. They have adapted well to civilization and urbanization and can also be found nesting around park ponds or golf courses. There is a family of geese at Murfree Spring on Southeast Broad Street and spectators have enjoyed watching the hatchlings grow this year.

Primarily herbivores, geese forage mostly by grazing while walking on land, but they also feed in water by submerging their head and neck. Serrated edges along their bills enable them to tear up plant matter. They eat stems and shoots of grasses and sedges, aquatic plants, seeds, berries, and cultivated grains, occasionally eating insects, mollusks, crustaceans and small fi sh.

Canada geese usually mate for life and the pair maintains a strong bond. Ganders (males) become aggressive in breeding territories and it’s this behavior that has caused the geese to get a bad rap from humans. He defends his territory with displays including hissing and lowering his head almost to the ground with his bill slightly raised and open.

The nest site is chosen by the female and is usually on slightly elevated dry ground near water. The female will usually come back to the same nesting site year after year. Females lay anywhere from 2–11 large white eggs. She then incubates the eggs for 25–28 days while the male stands guard. A Canada geese family unit has a strong and tight bond with excellent parenting and teaching from the adults, and fast learning and adaptability from the younglings. Parents lead the young away from the nest just 1–2 days after hatching. In just 7–9 weeks, the hatchlings are ready for their fi rst fl ight.

This time of year is a busy time for the animal kingdom. Aside from providing birdhouses, the easiest way to assist our animal friends is to leave your garden and yard undisturbed during winter. Piles of leaves or brushwood can provide a perfect place for animals where they can hide, rest and hibernate.

DURING DIFFICULT ECONOMIC

times, more Americans are enjoying their time off while traveling less. Creating a birdfriendly backyard habitat is one way to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to home.

The average backyard may be visited regularly by 10 to 15 different bird species. However, a bird-friendly yard can attract up to 50 or more different species. To attract the greatest number of bird species, provide at least one of each of these habitat elements: food, water, cover and a place for birds to raise their young. FOOD “Attracting a variety of birds requires a variety of foods,” said Joann Royer, co-owner of the Murfreesboro Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. “Offering a fresh seed blend is the best way to entice birds to your yard.”

Providing an easy-to-fi nd source of food not only gives birds nourishment, but it also gives them more time to fi nd mates, build nests, raise their young and perform other duties that are key to their survival. WATER Birds need water just as much as they need food. Their high metabolic rate and respiratory system drains moisture from their bodies quickly. However, birds use

Living NATURE NEWS The Basics Canada of Backyard Bird Feeding Geese Provide Food, Water,

Look for fl ying Cover and Nesting

V-formations as Place to Attract winter approaches, More Species large waterfowl common even in city parks water for more than just a thirst quencher; they also use it for bathing and preening

STORY/PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH NEWNES their feathers. Clean feathers are important for birds’ health and optimum fl ying ability.

COVER

Birds need protective cover for times of rest, social interaction and as a retreat from foul weather and predators. Plants that are native to our soil and climate provide the best overall food sources for wildlife and support from 10 to 50 times more native wildlife than exotic (or non-native) plants.

A PLACE TO RAISE THEIR YOUNG

The same plantings that provide shelter can provide safe areas for many bird species to mate, build nests and raise their families. But with the increased loss of natural habitat, cavity-nesting birds lack appropriate sites to nest. By providing bird houses, you will encourage birds to raise their young in your backyard.

Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events. For lots more information on birds and to shop online visit wbu.com/murfreesboro. Call the Murfreesboro store at 615-869-7975.