Honking Canada Geese in formation. Gotta move fast before winter!

An early November Quebec morning on Lac Ste. Pierre. Canada geese, migrating to southern agricultural areas for the winter. They fly in a distinct “V” pattern, where one goose is the leader and its flock follows behind in a v-shape.Show more

Canada geese fly south to their non-breeding sites to avoid the cold. They'll stay in their non-breeding sites all winter. They’ll migrate back north to their breeding sites in April, May or Early June

When they fly in formation, they create their own unique form of teamwork. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. ... Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Canada geese can travel 1,500 miles in a day if the weather permits. These birds tend to fly around 40 miles per hour during migration, though that can increase up to 70 miles per hour if they catch a strong tailwind.

To reduce the effort, geese often fly at night when the air is calmer, or in the day when there's a helpful tailwind; they avoid flying into a headwind that would blow them backward. In addition, they have another energy-saving trick.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. That’s teamwork!