The end of winter is near in the northern hemisphere. Though the cold persists the days slowly grow longer. If you’re lucky you might soon see a skein of geese flying overheard on their way to their northern nesting grounds – a beautiful reminder of our world’s ongoing cycles of change.
Geese are ancient – with fossils dating back 10 – 12 million years ago. Though probably domesticated first in Egypt 3000 years ago, some research indicates domestication occurred even earlier.
Thirty species of geese are found all around the world. Goose refers to the female; gander to the male; goslings to young geese.When in flight they are a ‘skein’, on the ground – a ‘gaggle’, anywhere – a ‘flock’.