Wild Goose Chase
by LeeAnn McLaneGoetz McLaneGoetzStudioLLCcom
Title
Wild Goose Chase
Artist
LeeAnn McLaneGoetz McLaneGoetzStudioLLCcom
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Canada geese are known for their seasonal migrations. Most Canada Geese have staging or resting areas where they join up with others. Their autumn migration can be seen from September to the beginning of November. The early migrants have a tendency to spend less time at rest stops and go through the migration a lot faster. The later birds usually spend more time at rest stops. These geese are also renowned for their V-shaped flight formation. The front position is rotated since flying in front consumes the most energy. Canada Geese leave the winter grounds more quickly than the summer grounds. Elevated thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4, have been measured in geese just after a big migration. This is believed because of the long days of flying in migration the thyroid gland sends out more T4 which will help the body cope with the longer journey. The increased T4 levels are also associated with increased muscle mass (hypertrophy) of the breast muscle, also because of the longer time spent flying. It is believed that the body sends out more T4 to help the goose's body with this long task by speeding up the metabolism and temperature at which the body works. Also, other studies done show corticosterone levels to rise dramatically in these birds after and during a migration. Corticosterone is known a stress hormone, so it only makes sense that when these birds are stressed by flying long distances every day, that more corticosterone is released into their system. It is believed that a higher level of corticosterone will help the birds better manage this task.
Uploaded
February 11th, 2012
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Comments (1)
LeeAnn McLane-Goetz
This was an unexpected treasure. As I walked thru the woods next to the pond, I kept hearing the leaves crunch. I would stop and look around, did not see anything. Then all of a sudden this Goose came running by me. Of course having a camera ready you just have to shoot it. I was surprized at how fast this guy could travel thru the woods. He was out of sight in no time.