Of Geese and Guests

Since our move to Winnipeg four years ago, Hardy and I have enjoyed observing large flocks of Canada geese. They are our first sign of spring and also the sign of approaching winter.There are several small artificial lakes in our area, and it seems the environment must be just right for geese and ducks.

We've asked ourselves why the geese make such a journey twice a year. Frank Shaw, in his book Birds of Canada (1988), says this is like asking mountain climbers why they climb a mountain peak. They do it  because it's there and they love the challenge! The geese instinctively know where the best food is and they are equipped to find it.

When the flocks of geese began to leave us this fall, so did the many guests we had in August, and suddenly everything seemed so quiet. We can still hear the honking of geese in the sky above us, but the laughter and the voices of our summer guests are gone.

Hardy's cousin's daughter from Germany has a great love for the outdoors and the environment, and is especially drawn to the huge national parks we have in North America. Like Canada geese she and her family return because they just can't stay away. She packs all their camping gear into duffel bags and makes the trip across the ocean, husband and kids in tow. After their park adventures, the kids (two young teens) spend several weeks with us. They practise their English, get to know their Canadian relatives and learn about our Canadian way of life, while their parents go back home. The children's grandpa (Hardy's favorite cousin) also comes along for part of the trip and then accompanies them on their flight home.

Shaw tells us that Canada geese fly in family flocks because they don't have an inbuilt migration map. The young depend on their parents to lead them on their first journey south in fall and on their first return to the breeding grounds in spring. Canada geese mate for life, and only if one of them dies will the survivor take another mate. Shaw says such a strong pair bond is essential if the new season's youngsters are to be safely taught the lessons of route finding and the location of winter quarters.

Like Canada geese, our cousin's daughter and her husband and father are preparing their children and grandchildren to navigate the life journey they are undertaking. There are many obstacles and dangers along the way, so they need to be nurtured and taught carefully and well.

       

                           

It takes a flock to raise a goose and a village to raise a child!