One of the ways I know the seasons are changing is the arrival of the Canadian Geese. Recently a V-shaped formation of geese flew over our house. I heard them before I saw them. They have a distinctive “honk” that alerts you to their presence. They look majestic as they fly overhead.
Apparently they fly in a V-formation to improve their speed and distance. The lead bird sets the pace and the others benefit by following the V-shaped pattern. Different geese take turns leading the flock to enable others to reduce their exertion. They can fly up to forty miles per hour and up to 1500 miles in a day with a tail wind. They “honk” as they fly to encourage each other on their long flight.
I have heard that Canadian Geese return to the same location every year. They fly several thousand miles from Canada to their winter home in Arizona, California and other southern states and Mexico.
One of their favorite winter homes are golf courses. They are one of a few bird species that can digest grass. My in-laws lived near a golf course in Arizona. They saw geese every winter. I see them on the golf course where I play golf here in southern California. However geese are very large birds and they leave a big mess on fairways, putting greens, parks and lawns.
I have also heard that Canadian geese are very loyal to one another. If one is injured or unable to fly others will stay behind with him. That may explain why I see many geese at our local golf course in the middle of summer. They are either injured or maybe they just prefer to stay in sunny California instead of a long flight back to Canada.
The Bible says that God created all of the animals on the earth, the fish in the sea and the birds in the air (Genesis 1:20-22}. The remarkable strength of the Canadian Geese and their sophisticated navigation system is evidence of God’s creative design.
Let me encourage you to watch for these amazing out-of-town guests this year. Take time to reflect on their beauty and strength. Give thanks to God for the majesty of His creation.
You can read 365 more articles and stories (one for every day of the year) in the book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The price is only $20 per book plus postage. Order you copy today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 