Pictured is a Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, on the bank of the Hamilton lake near Hot Springs, Arkansas. This bird was part of a flock of 20 individuals who came visiting to the grassy bank near the house we were renting for the weekend.
He and his pals had paddled down the lake and jumped out to sample the greenery.
The lookout always kept his eye on me and his surroundings just in case he needed to get the flock out of there.
A quick meal and a little time to preen in the warm sunshine.
Then, it’s everybody back in the pool!
There’s always some joker in the group that didn’t get enough chow; so, a little dabble while the group gathers helps fill him up.
Canadian geese seem to be out of place this far south in July, but changes in habitat use, food availability, and hunting pressure have made some populations of this species year round residents in favorable habitats south of the arctic circle. Pop over to Cornell University’s All About Birds for more information about these wonderful creatures.
I like Canadian geese and I like knowing that they are adaptable to new circumstances. They are fun to watch and photograph even if they make the photographer wonder if they missed the bus to Canada.
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