Canada Goose - In Winter is a photograph by Nikolyn McDonald which was uploaded on February 12th, 2018.
Canada Goose - In Winter
A Canada goose, Branta Canadensis, steps gingerly across the ice on a small midwestern lake. I have always wondered why geese often walk, sit, and... more
Title
Canada Goose - In Winter
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
A Canada goose, Branta Canadensis, steps gingerly across the ice on a small midwestern lake. I have always wondered why geese often walk, sit, and even sleep on frozen surfaces. I did a little research and the consensus seems to be that it’s primarily because they are safer from predators on water than in a field, and that is true even in winter when the water freezes. Here’s an interesting fact I came across: their feet can’t freeze and the circulation through their feel actually transfers warm blood up into their bodies. The habit these birds have of standing on one leg with the other tucked up under their body is also related to this fact.
Featured: Wildlife; Ducks, Geese and Swans
Uploaded
February 12th, 2018
More from Nikolyn McDonald
Comments (2)
Shoal Hollingsworth 19 Days Ago
Wonderful work. Thank you for submitting your image to the Ducks, Geese and Swans Only Group where the image is now featured on the home page. Feel free to post this in the Featured archive in the group discussion page section L/F
Hany J
Hi Nikolyn; we have soooo many of them here in Canada as you can imagine (and I mean EVERYWHERE) to the point that they sometimes block roads close to parks and lakes and become a hazard to drivers and pedestrians alike. I digress... what I wanted to say is, due to their abundance (and annoyance), I never really bothered with capturing an image of one of these geese. However, after seeing this beauty of an image before my eyes, may I should reconsider! Awesome dynamic picture. Loved reading your bit of research as well.
Nikolyn McDonald replied:
Thank you, Hany, and I know EXACTLY what you mean. I think these guys (and gals) are super abundant EVERYWHERE. But they ARE both elegant and beautiful, as you note, and once in a while I go ahead and take pictures. I especially like the self-assured look this one has.
Recently Viewed
