Bird of the week: Canada goose
About: A large goose with a brown body and black neck, head and bill with a white cheek patch. It is similar to the cackling goose but can be distinguished by the vocalizations, which are longer and lower-pitched than the cackling goose’s. Size can also be a distinguishing factor when cackling and Canada geese are found in the same flock but is not always reliable. Cackling geese can only be found in migration, and I have only ever seen them in the area in October and November.
Where to find this bird: It can be found anywhere along the Fox River, especially where there are grassy banks where they feed.
When to find this bird: Year-round
Fun fact: The largest subspecies of Canada goose, the “giant,” was once in heavy decline, but reintroduction measures have been so successful that they are now a nuisance in many places. There are at least 11 subspecies though, and many subspecies breed and overwinter in non-urban areas.