Return of the Canada Geese

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Return of the Canada Geese

October 6, 2015 by Mike Powell

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) are our constant companions at my favorite marshland park throughout the fall and the winter as the geese migrate south or choose to overwinter at the park. Several small flocks flew in yesterday, accompanied by the usual amount of honking and splashing to announce their arrival.

Folks at the park either love the geese or hate them (because of the mess they make). I enjoy seeing them and they provide me with lots of practice subjects to hone my skills in capturing birds in flight. Their interactions with each other are also fun to watch.

Posted in Autumn, Birds, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged Alexandria VA, birds in flight, Branta canadensis, Canada Geese, Canon 50D, Huntley Meadows Park, Tamron 150-600mm telephoto | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on October 6, 2015 at 7:34 am | Reply AnaLuciaSilva

Great shots =)
- on October 7, 2015 at 4:34 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks.
on October 6, 2015 at 8:46 am | Reply Lyle Krahn

I think I fall into both camps with geese. I finally figured out I enjoy them from a distance, hearing the honks as they fly in formation in fall.
- on October 7, 2015 at 4:33 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Loving from a distance? A psychologist might have a field day with a statement like that. I too enjoy seeing the v-shaped formations in the sky–a clear sign that we are moving deeper into Autumn.
on October 6, 2015 at 7:14 pm | Reply Bella Remy Photography

Find anything else fun there Mike? I’ll be there this Sunday coaching a “Birds of Prey” Photography workshop.
- on October 7, 2015 at 4:31 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  We are in a transitional period at Huntley Meadows Park. Some of the beavers seem to be reconstructing a former lodge, but they have been pretty elusive. We should have migratory birds coming through, so you never know what you might see.
  - on October 7, 2015 at 5:52 pm Bella Remy Photography
    
    I would LOVE to see the beavers. Have yet to see one in the wild. Thanks Mike.
  - on October 8, 2015 at 4:37 am Mike Powell
    
    There are a couple of different beaver lodges at Huntley Meadows Park, but it’s really tough to spot one of the beavers. Usually you have to be pretty early or pretty late and unusually lucky to see one, though they are more active at this time of the year getting their lodges ready for the winter. Best wishes with your raptor class.
on October 7, 2015 at 5:25 am | Reply New Hampshire Garden Solutions

I like watching geese too, but I have friends who live on a pond and don’t care for cleaning up after them.
You got some great action shots of them!
- on October 7, 2015 at 6:51 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Allen. It’s a nice challenge to try to get action shots of the geese. Soon they’ll be coming and going with greater regularity, but for now they are new and exciting (after a summer of shooting mostly insects).