On Winter Winds

The graceful flight of Canada geese, their extended necks moving with the powerful beat of their wings, is an exceptional sight. Who has not thrilled to a sudden honking in the sky and looked up to discover a V-formation of these splendid birds passing overhead? The best-known species of geese on the North American continent, "Branta canadensis" may be found nearly everywhere. In their wild state they are migratory, flying south in the fall to search for food and back to their far northern breeding areas in early spring while winter winds still sweep over the tundra. Canada geese mate for life, their close knit families remaining together until after they return north, when the young birds leave the parent pair and go their own way.