Flight of the Geese: Migration, Mysteries, and Habits of Canadian Geese Across Southern Missouri.

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In the rolling hills and vast wetlands of Southern Missouri, the changing seasons usher in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles—the migration of geese. Twice a year, thousands of these majestic birds take to the sky, traveling thousands of miles between their northern breeding grounds and their southern wintering habitats. As they fly in perfect V-formation, their honks echo across the crisp morning air, a timeless reminder of the power of instinct and the extraordinary lengths these birds travel.

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A wild goose can have 4–12 eggs in a clutch, and 5–10 goslings in a brood!

The Call to Migrate: An Instinct of Nature.

The story of the geese’s migration begins long before their journey reaches the skies of Southern Missouri. Their internal biological clocks are finely tuned to the rhythm of the elements. The shortening daylight and dropping temperatures signal the approach of winter, prompting the geese to begin their migration. And as the first signs of spring appear, warmer weather and longer days signal that it is time for their return north. In search of food, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young, they follow the central flyway, a migration route that stretches from the Arctic regions of Canada, through the Great Plains, and down to the Gulf Coast.

For many geese, Southern Missouri represents an essential stopover on this route, providing a much-needed rest before the next leg of their journey. The wetlands, rivers, and lakes of this region offer food, shelter, and safety.

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Strength in numbers!  Large migratory flocks reaching up to 2,500 geese, though the exact size can vary depending on the species and migration patterns involved; smaller family groups might only have 10-15 geese. 

The V-Formation: A Story of Teamwork and Survival.

Perhaps the most iconic feature of the geese’s migration is the V-formation in which they fly. This formation is not only an elegant display in the sky, but it serves a highly practical purpose—energy conservation. Each bird in the V benefits from the updraft created by the bird ahead of it. By flying in this formation, the geese reduce the drag caused by the wind, allowing them to conserve precious energy as they travel long distances.

The lead bird takes the brunt of the wind resistance, cutting through the air at the front of the V. But the effort doesn’t fall solely on one bird’s shoulders. As the lead bird tires, it rotates to the back of the formation, allowing another bird to take its place. This rotation ensures that no single bird bears the full burden of the journey for too long, and the entire group benefits from the collective effort. It is a beautiful and harmonious cycle of leadership and support, a powerful example of teamwork and mutual reliance.

Flying in the V-formation also allows the geese to communicate and stay connected with one another, ensuring that the entire group moves forward in unison. The formation creates a sense of unity, an understanding that they are all in this together, facing the challenges of the journey as one.

(Courtesy: Wilson)

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When geese are on the ground, they are called a "gaggle", while when flying in a formation, they are referred to as a "skein." 

Southern Missouri: A Critical Layover.

For geese traveling along the central flyway, Southern Missouri is a critical layover point. The state’s diverse landscape, which includes wetlands, lakes, rivers, farms, and ponds, offers geese the perfect place to rest, feed, and recuperate before continuing their migration. As the birds fly across Missouri, they are drawn to the many areas of water that dot the landscape. Large bodies of water such as Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Norfork Lake just across the Southern Missouri line in Northern Arkansas are essential stopovers, offering ample food sources such as aquatic plants, seeds, and grasses that help the geese replenish their energy.

Another notable stop for migrating geese is Sims Valley Lake, located near Willow Springs. Sims Valley Lake is a 40+ acre public fishing lake that hosts a variety of fish, including bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. This smaller lake, nestled in the heart of Southern Missouri, offers a secluded and quiet environment, ideal for geese looking for a peaceful place to rest and refuel.

But the lakes aren’t the only resting spots for these birds. The abundance of farm ponds scattered throughout Southern Missouri also provides perfect places for geese to land, rest, and find food.

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Wild Canadian Geese can be 25–45 inches long (2-4feet), weigh up to eight pounds, and have a wingspan of up to 75 inches (6 feet)!

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It's not always easy to tell the difference in the sex of wild geese. The gander (male) is generally larger than the goose (female). He usually has a bigger head and neck. Depending on the breed, the gander is often a lighter shade than the goose. Listen to the geese. The gander's voice is actually higher than the goose's, but her voice is usually harsher. Go figure!

A Changing Landscape: Some Geese Choose to Stay Year-Round. 

In recent years, something new has been happening! Some geese have successfully adapted to Southern Missouri's ever-changing environment, making this beautiful region a more permanent home rather than just a brief stopover!

A Legacy of Flight!

The thousands of geese that pass through Southern Missouri each year are more than just travelers—they are symbols of nature’s resilience, adaptability, and cooperation. As they glide across our regions beautiful blue skies, in their iconic V-formations, or rest peacefully on Southern Missouri’s lakes and rural ponds, they remind us of the vastness of the natural world and the incredible journeys that are a part of it. No matter how complicated life may become, wild geese prove that simplicity will always prevail!