February might seem early but I’m already noticing that Canada Geese are pairing up at Bear River MBR which is a prelude to the arrival of spring.
Pair of Canada Geese on the bank of the Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The courtship of Canada Geese isn’t as elaborate as the dancing of Sandhill Cranes in spring. It also isn’t the auditory delight of warblers singing to attract mates or the haunting calls of Long-billed Curlews during courtship.
The courtship of Canada Geese involves pair bonding, head bobbing, wing flapping, and vocalizations. The males will often perform a head-bobbing dance, in which they lower their heads and quickly raise them, while emitting a series of honks and grunts. This dance is performed to attract the female’s attention and demonstrate their strength and agility.
In the photo above there is a second goose resting behind the standing goose. The resting goose may be a female and the standing goose, a male. The males are very protective of their mates.
Canada Goose standing guard over his mate on the frozen Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/5000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Near the two Canada Geese on the riverbank I photographed two more geese on the frozen Bear River. The presumed male, shown above, was very vocal when I stopped my Jeep next to the road. He was about 20 feet away from his mate and I couldn’t get them both in my viewfinder without taking off my teleconverter. Instead of removing my teleconverter I took several photos of them both individually.
Canada Goose resting on the frozen Bear River – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The presumed female Canada Goose was resting on the snow-covered, frozen river. She was silent but was very alert.
Seeing that the Canada Geese have started pairing up reminded me that spring is just around the corner. I needed that reminder because this has been a long, strange, gray winter. I am more than ready for warmer, sunnier days.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
TOTZ, KY. BANKS OF THE POOR FORK OF THE CUMBERLAND RIVER. I FEED A FLOCK OF CANADIANS AT NINE O’CLOCK AND 1600 HRS. AT 1600 HRS. FOUND TWO BLACK GEESE FEEDING WITH THEM.
To warmer days and msny opportunities to capture these wonderful birds