Where do geese migrate to?

Answer 1

The fantastic annual migrations that birds make between their breeding and wintering grounds is one of the wonders of our natural world. Most of the world's 29 or so species of geese are no strangers to migration, and some routinely accomplish amazing feats. In Asia, Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) regularly migrate over the Himalayan Mountains, even over Mt. Everest at an altitude of 30,750 feet (9375 m) where the air is thin and the temperatures drop to minus 60 degrees F.

Migrating birds, especially waterfowl, follow broad but well defined migration routes called flyways or migration corridors. There are four primary corridors in North America. From east to west, they are the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific flyways.

Figure 1 - Migratory Flyways

Figure 2 - Migratory Flyways

Many species of geese and other waterfowl breed in the far northern reaches of North America, and begin their journey south following well defined geographical features like coastlines, rivers and mountain ranges.

Snow Geese breed in the Arctic Tundra and winter in farmlands, lakes and coastal areas in the American south, southwest and east coast. These attractive geese occur only in North America, and make an annual round trip journey of more than 5,000 miles at speeds of 50 mph or more. Seen in flight, adults are white with jet black wing tips.

Figure 3 - Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens)

Figure 4 - Snow Geese (Anser caerulescens)

In winter months, Snow Geese form highly gregarious flocks that may number into the thousands. The bill of the Snow Goose has a distinctive "grin patch" along its side. The Ross's Goose looks like a Snow Goose, but is smaller, and its bill lacks the "grin patch." The two grayish birds shown here are young Snow Geese.

The dark bird shown here near the center of the photo is a blue phase of the Snow Goose. Note the white face, and the very dark body. Formerly considered a separate species, the blue phase and the white phase of the Snow Goose are now lumped into one species. The similar but smaller Ross's Goose looks very much like the Snow Goose, and also has a blue phase that is considered rare.

Figure 5 - Blue Phase of the Snow Goose

Figure 6 - Snow Geese in Flight

Snow Geese winter in immense flocks, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. When they take flight, the flock appears as a white cloud rising from the marsh. Population biologists census waterfowl in winter months to determine population trends. Can you estimate the number of geese visible in this flock?

The Brant is the salt water cousin of the Canada Goose. These birds breed farther north than any other species of goose, and winter in coastal areas of Europe, North America and Japan. Note the white patch on either side of the neck. These birds are truly marine. They have special salt excreting glands that enable them to drink salt water and feed on eel grass, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine worms.

Figure 7 - Brant (Branta bernicula)

Figure 8 - Brant in Flight

Brant in flight have a dark appearance with a conspicuous bright white rear end. Flocks in flight do not form up into a "V" formation, but instead fly low over the sea in long wavy lines that seem to ball up then string out again with no particular leader.

The Canada Goose is widespread over North America, and has been introduced to Europe and New Zealand. The white patch on its face and throat is distinctive. Some 10 races are recognized, ranging from the very large nominate race to the darkest and smallest race B. diminuta. These geese are migratory, but in many residential areas with plenty of food, water and shelter, they are becoming quite resident. Some local populations are getting so large that they are becoming a pest species.

Answer 2

geese migrate in September through till the beginning of November

I live on east coast of Florida directly east of Orlando and for the past three mornings, a flock of geese has noisily flown overhead heading south. I assume they are three distinct flocks as I don't think they are flying in circles. The dates would be July 31-Aug 2, 2012. I would assume it is because of food shortages caused by the drought in the northern Midwest.

Answer 3

they take up residence though out all lower US states, from California completely across to Georgia.

Answer 4

They fly south for the winter.

Answer 5

They migrate to the woods

Answer 6

South

Answer 7

they fly