CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis) 



Among the sights and sounds of nature few are as hauntingly beautiful 

 as a honking flock of wild geese silhouetted against a crisp autumn sky. 

 Although the species is usually migratory, many Canada geese spend the 

 entire winter in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Courtship of both migra- 

 tory and non-migratory birds usually begins in April. Canada geese mate 

 for life, and both male and female share the responsibility of caring for 

 the nest and young. During the incubation period the gander guards the 

 female on the nest and aggressively drives intruders, including coyotes 

 and even humans, away from the nest. Once the goslings hatch, geese 

 feed on the shore or in open fields within commuting distance of the 

 water. Geese graze, plucking up grass and other vegetation, or they collect 

 food from the bottom of a stream or lake. Large numbers of Canada geese 

 summer in Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, and at Oxbow Bend in Grand 

 Teton, and the species is generally common on lakes and rivers of both 

 parks. 



Mallard 



Bruce Pitcher 



GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Anas carolinensis) 



In the shallow water of small lakes, ponds, and streams, and in marshy 

 areas where small streams wander aimlessly through the tall grasses, the 

 green-winged teal floats silently or turns bottoms up in search of aquatic 

 plants and insects. Although this teal is primarily a surface-feeder, it can 

 dive effectively if the occasion demands. Green-winged teals frequently 

 leave the water and travel long distances in search of food. When flushed, 

 the teal explodes from the water without the aid of a running takeoff. 

 The flight of the teal is swift and direct, but often features unpredictable 

 twisting and turning maneuvers. The smallest of Yellowstone and Grand 

 Teton ducks, the green-winged teal is a common breeding bird, and an 

 occasional winter resident in both parks. 



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