More Than Just Honking
Discover the fascinating geese of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and how you can help protect migrating birds this fall.
A spectacular flock of geese fills the autumn sky during migration. Photo courtesy of Roger van Gelder.
A very common sight at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is the Canada Goose. And yes, it's Canada Goose, not Canadian Goose. Some of them may be Canadian, but if you've seen the number of goslings at the Refuge each spring, you know many were born right here in the United States.
Most people know Canada Geese as large, noisy birds that can leave quite a mess in parks and open spaces. But did you know there are 11 recognized subspecies, including the familiar Canada Goose? Another is the Dusky Canada Goose. In fact, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was originally established to provide wintering habitat for Dusky Canada Geese after a major earthquake in Alaska dramatically altered their nesting grounds and made them far less hospitable.
Telling the different species and subspecies apart can be surprisingly challenging. Duskys are slightly smaller and darker than the familiar Canada Goose. Cackling Geese (often called "Cacklers") are also smaller, with noticeably shorter necks, and are actually an entirely different species. Bird identification isn't always as easy as it seems!
Cacklers and Duskys are migratory birds and are rarely seen here during the summer months. Larger Canada Geese also migrate north to molt, but many remain in the area year-round, so it's not unusual to see them at the Refuge in every season.
Speaking of migration, it's time for Lights Out! Peak fall migration runs from September 19 through October 19. Help the millions of birds flying over our region each night—including all these geese—by turning off unnecessary outdoor lights and aiming essential lighting downward whenever possible.
It's also time for Give More 24! On Thursday, September 24, nonprofits across Southwest Washington will come together for a 24-hour community fundraising campaign. Please consider supporting Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with a donation.
And be sure to save the date! BirdFest & Bluegrass returns Saturday, October 3, with activities in downtown Ridgefield and at the Refuge. We hope to see you there!