Page 7 - Kind News Magazine November/December 2023

AMAZING WORLD

CRITTER
CLUES

I
1 ’m not a pet, but I’ve been
IF YOU HAVE A sharing homes with people for a
long time — about 15,000 years!
NEW NEIGHBOR! 2 My species (or kind) arrived in

the United States after we
Have you noticed Canada geese on a farm or park near you? hopped on ships with European
Maybe you’ve heard their honks or seen the “V” shapes they make colonists.
in the skies in recent weeks. Canada geese have flown south from 3 often enter homes through
I
their homes in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Canada and cracks or tiny holes around
nearby Alaska, where the temperature is dropping. Many food pipes or wires.
sources there, like lakes, are freezing. They’ve migrated, or traveled 4 I love to snack — sometimes
— sometimes 1,500 miles a day! — to a new place. Southern lands 15-20 times a day! — and
mean milder weather — and that means more food choices and anything will do: seeds, nuts,
water where they are free to swim and escape predators. fruits, veggies, and meat.
How do Canada geese know the way? Scientists say they use
rivers, mountains, and shorelines as guides as well as the sun and 5 I am very social; I love to be
stars. Their honks often signal to others to change the lead bird at in groups.
the front of the “V,” taking turns at working the hardest to cut 6 When I am scared, I will raise
through the wind. In the spring, many Canada geese will fly back up my ears and make my
north. But some will stay because they find year-round food and eyes bigger.
safety in their southern homes. 7 f I am bothering you, keep your
I
Do you know of other species, or types, of animals home clean and close up things
who migrate? that I find yummy, like bird seed
and pet food.
IDEA box: Make a log and write down animals
you see around your home each day. Which
animals are there year-round? Which animals
are not? Find out where those animals go.

Nov/Dec 2023 | 7
RIDDLE ANSWER: SHE DIDN’T WANT TO BE “OWL” BY HERSELF.