Wilderness Portraits Archive by Lloyd Paul Aiello

Thirty Canada Geese on the Wing

Thirty Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) head for the marsh at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. There are seven subspecies of the Canada Goose, of varying sizes and plumage details, but all look similar. These birds range from 30-43 inches in length, with a 50–73 inch wingspan and weigh 7–14 pounds. Canada Geese are known for their seasonal migrations during which time they can travel 2,000 - 3,000 miles at altitudes of 2,000 - 9,000 feet. They can fly 1,500 miles in 24 hours under ideal weather conditions. The geese generally travel 40 miles per hour, but they can reach 70 mph with a good wind. The lifespan of a Canada Goose is generally 10–24 years.

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Filename: _LPA5190-canada-goose-geese-flying-sky-clouds-birdEdit.tif
Image Size: 5195x1732 / 43.3MB; www.WildernessPortraits.com; Canada Goose Concord Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Massachusetts activity animals birds black blue color descriptors flight flying format goose horizontal line marsh master panoramic places season spring state-city-location type white
Contained in galleries: Recent Archived Additions, Favorite Archived Images, Wildlife Portraits

Thirty Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) head for the marsh at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. There are seven subspecies of the Canada Goose, of varying sizes and plumage details, but all look similar. These birds range from 30-43 inches in length, with a 50–73 inch wingspan and weigh 7–14 pounds. Canada Geese are known for their seasonal migrations during which time they can travel 2,000 - 3,000 miles at altitudes of 2,000 - 9,000 feet. They can fly 1,500 miles in 24 hours under ideal weather conditions. The geese generally travel 40 miles per hour, but they can reach 70 mph with a good wind. The lifespan of a Canada Goose is generally 10–24 years.