Canada geese rule North American waterfowl

The Canada goose, of which there are several subspecies, is one of North America's largest native wild birds. It rivals the mallard duck as North America's most numerous waterfowl species.

Resident Canada geese will stay all year in Southeast Missouri, even nesting and raising their young here.

Yet by far the majority of these birds is migratory, wintering across the southern half of the U.S. and flying back north in large flocks each spring.

Well-manicured man-made lakes, public parks with well-managed bodies of water and golf courses are favored haunts of Canada geese.

The geese are safe in such wide-open places because they can more easily see approaching predators such as coyotes, bobcats and stray dogs. Smaller fur-bearing animals such as raccoons and skunks will prey on goslings and rob nests of eggs.

Favored foods of Canada geese are tender plants and grasses, and almost any grain or plant seed. They will also eat insects and small fish.

Canada geese are famous for flying across the sky in their V formation.

In New York City on Jan. 15, 2009, a flock of Canada geese and US Airways Flight 1549 crossed paths at low altitude.

Some of the geese were sucked into the airplane's engines, causing total power loss to the plane. The quick-thinking seasoned pilot calmly radioed ahead for emergency help and put the plane down in the cold Hudson River, where all 115 passengers and crew were safely rescued.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by him at the O'Tenem Gallery.