Migration to Molt Feathers, not to Escape Cold

Mid-June is migration time for many of the Canada Geese of the PPR. The big guys that breed here in the PPR stay all winter if snow is sparse and they can access waste grain in fields. Breeders stay in the PPR with the kids and they molt locally. However, failed breeders and the young non-breeders (1-3 years old) make a long migration to lush arctic areas (high protein vegetation) to molt their flight feathers. This molt migration during summer is often 1,500 miles – by far the longest migration for big Canadas.

Jim Fisher’s photo shows the lush green of the Manitoba countryside, which makes clear that this is a mid-summer movement.

Frank