Canadian Geese
Scientific Name: Branta Canadensis
The Canadian Goose (proper name is Canada Goose) is native to North America and breeds in Canada and the northern United States. Its nest is usually located in an elevated area near water such as streams, lakes, and ponds. This species is 30-43 in long with a 50-71 inch wingspan. The male weighs 7–14 pounds, and can be very aggressive. The female looks identical but is slightly lighter at 5.5–12 pounds, and has a different honk. Canada Geese are herbivores and therefore their diet includes green vegetation and grains. The Canada Goose eats a variety of grasses when on land. Courting during the second year of their lives, Canada Geese find a mate. They are monogamous, and most couples stay together all of their lives. The female lays 3–8 eggs and both parents protect the nest while the eggs incubate. During this incubation period, the adults lose their flight feathers, so they cannot fly until after their eggs hatch which lasts about 25–28 days. While protecting their goslings, geese have a tendency to attack humans when they feel themselves or their goslings to be threatened. First the geese will stand erect, spread their wings and produce a "hissing" sound. Next, the geese will charge. They may then bite or attack with their wings. The off springs do not leave their parents until after the spring migration (6 –9 weeks). The Canada Goose is naturally migratory and their fall migration can be seen from September through the beginning of November. They are well known for their V flight formation, and it is true that the front position is rotated since flying in front consumes the most energy.Pilgram (Domestic) Geese
Scientific Name: Anser AnserDomesticus Pilgrim Geese are a breed of the domestic goose. The origins of this breed are unclear, but they are thought to be either decended from stock in Europe, or developed from American stock during the Great Depression era. The breed is auto-sexing with distinct color differences between males (ganders) and females (geese) at hatching. Newly hatched ganders are light yellow, while the geese are grey. Adult Ganders are mostly white with some grey on the rump while the adult Geese are mostly grey and occasionally have traces of grey in their faces. Both Ganders and Geese have a knobless orange bill, and orange feet and shanks. Weight of the mature bird is about 13-14 pounds. This breed of goose is listed as threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.Birds of Pray
Bald Eagle
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Cormorant
Scientific Name: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants (a.k.a. Shags) can be seen around the shore of the lake and at Gull Island. Cormorants are medium-to-large birds, with body weight in the range of 1 to 11 lbs The majority of species have dark feathers. The bill is long, thin and hooked. Their feet have webbing between all four toes. All species are fish-eaters, catching the prey by diving from the surface. They are excellent divers, and under water they propel themselves with their feet with help from their wings; some cormorant species have been found to dive as deep as 150 ft. They have relatively short wings due to their need for economical movement underwater, and consequently have the highest flight costs of any flying bird. Cormorants nest in colonies around the shore, on trees, islets or cliffs. They are coastal rather than oceanic birds, and as we see, some have come to inland waters.