Thousands of geese

[Ybone]

Where did all the geese come from today? The area north of Brainerd isn't noted for geese but flock after flock passed through today, heading north. Some landed in backwaters and sloughs and some kept heading north. Isn't it kind of late for a migration? I thought they would be nesting by now. There were sometimes several flocks of 100 to 200 geese visable at once.

[BLACKJACK]

I watched 4-5 flocks come thru the Brooten area the other night too. I think that these are young, second year geese and they're going north to molt. I don't know how far they go, it will be interesting to see if any biologist picks up on this thread.

[GullGuide]

Up on Vermilion on Sunday we watched a VERY LARGE flock of honkers...I'd say almost 300-400 fly over the lake heading North. I think your right Blackjack about the young. If this is the case, there must have been one heckofa hatch last year.
Speaking of hatches, I have seen MANY broods of geese and ducks this year. Even saw one hen mallard with almost 20 duckilngs...no talk...and no other hens in the area. Now THAT'S a duck factory!!!

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[Guest]

I've seen the same thing all week while fishing. Flocks of 30 to 75 birds ripping around like it was September. I've always heard them referred to as "bachelor" flocks. And, I'd agree, I've seen more of them this year than any other.

[Guest]

The geese are migrating to Manitoba where they molt for 3-4 weeks and then return to there home range! I got this off another forum,asking the same question!