Canada Goose adult on the Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my last couple of trips up to Bear River MBR I have noticed that the Canada Geese have already started pairing up which is a definite sign of spring. I’ve seen Canada Geese pairing up as early as January here in northern Utah and have photographed them mating in February.
When I was up to the refuge last Thursday after I photographed a stunning immature Red-tailed Hawk I stopped to photograph a pair of Canada Geese standing on ice on the Bear River.
Pair of Canada Geese on the icy Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The pair of Canada Geese looked beautiful on the ice that was reflecting the bright blue sky that was overhead that morning. As abundant as these geese are in many areas of North America I don’t take them for granted because I have spent large chunks of my life where I didn’t see this species at all. I’ll take their photos whenever I can.
Adult Canada Goose on the icy Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It won’t be long before these Canada Geese have little ones following them around on the river, the refuge, marshes and the fields. I am excited that I will see them soon.
I am hoping that before that time comes though that we get more snow in the high country or the rivers that feed into the refuge will run low this spring and summer. We are still experiencing a drought here and we need as much snow before spring runoff as we can get. There is snow in the forecast for later tonight and into tomorrow but according to the National Weather Service it doesn’t sound like we will get much snow at all. We need a good snow storm or two or ten.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Goose photos plus facts and information about this species.
I really, really hope you get the necessary moisture. Drought is a killer.
Mia, Nice pictures of Canada Geese. They are a nice looking bird. There are some who winter around my area, so see them in an empty field or flying over head close to my house. In the spring and fall there are flocks that have a flight pattern over my block. Thanks for taking the photos.
Mia,
I’ve been gifted a book by Diana Wells : 100 Birds and How They Got Their Names.
I would be glad to send it to you.
Sue
blueheronsue@gmail.com