You Are Cleared for Takeoff

As with most birds, takeoff's and landings are what I find most interesting about Canada Geese. I try to discern whether a bird gives any clues that it is getting ready to fly. Unlike some birds which do not seem to ever give any indication that they are about to fly, geese often do tip you off.

One way they commonly tip you off is they begin to talk it up as a group. I don't know if they are discussing where they intend to go or who is going to lead, but they often become very talkative just before they fly.

Geese are among the many birds that cannot take off straight up into the air. They have to get a running start to become airborne. They don't need to take too many steps, but they can't just jump into the air and go.

It is also noticeable how much precision there is between birds as they fly. It is not uncommon to see every bird in exactly the same posture. Sometimes I think it has to do with encountering exactly the same wind conditions.