Today we're adding the Snow Goose to Birdorable! Snow Geese are not only abundant but also incredibly distinctive in appearance. Their plumage is predominantly white, earning them their name, but it's their striking black wingtips that truly set them apart. These black wingtips are a defining feature, and they create a beautiful contrast against the pure white of their bodies.

One of the most spectacular sights in the birding world is the mass migration of Snow Geese. When these geese take to the sky during migration, their large flocks form mesmerizing patterns in the sky. The synchronized flight of thousands of Snow Geese is a sight to behold and has become a popular attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Snow Geese are highly social birds, and they often gather in immense numbers, creating a cacophony of calls that can be heard from afar. During their migrations, they stop at various wetlands and agricultural fields to rest and forage. In these locations, they feed primarily on grasses, sedges, and agricultural crops, making them a vital part of the ecosystem.

These geese have a well-documented migration pattern, with some populations breeding in the Arctic tundra of North America and wintering in the southern United States and even as far south as Mexico. The annual journey of Snow Geese covers thousands of miles, and it's a remarkable feat of navigation and endurance.

Birdwatchers and nature lovers often plan trips to witness the spectacle of Snow Geese migrations, making them a beloved and iconic species in the world of birdwatching. Their abundance, striking appearance, and impressive migrations make Snow Geese a favorite subject for bird photographers and a cherished part of North America's natural heritage.There are entire birding festivals dedicated to viewing Snow Geese flocks in all their glory.

• Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway
• High Plains Snow Goose Festival
• Delta Snow Goose Festival
• Tofield Snow Goose Festival

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! We already have a Birdorable Wild Turkey, so we're adding a different bird with turkey in its name -- this one comes from Down Under. Can you guess the species?

Today we’re introducing the Bar-headed Goose to Birdorable! This mid-sized species of Anser goose is easy to recognize due to the namesake black bars found on the back of the head.

Bar-headed Geese are known to be one of the highest flying species in the world. They spend the breeding season on high altitude lakes and migrate across Asia to reach their wintering grounds to the south. Using tracking data, Bar-headed Geese have been recorded at flying at altitudes of up to 21,000 feet! They have also been noted to fly over Mount Makalu at over 27,000 feet, and even over Mount Everest at over 29,000 feet! Wow!

Tomorrow we’ll introduce an African species with crazy long toes. Is this clue and the silhouette enough for you to guess the correct bird?

If you think our Birdorable birds are cute as adults, what about when they are babies? Below are some baby photos (shared via Flickr Creative Commons) of the Canada Goose.

Canada Geese sometimes get a bad rap as nuisance birds and they have a reputation for being aggressive. But these North American native birds have their place in our environment. And it's hard to deny that they are handsome birds as adults, and pretty darn cute as babies.

Canada Geese start their nest with a scrape, and then build a nest out of local plant material. The inside is usually lined with soft downy feathers. The female goose will incubate the eggs herself; the process usually takes 25 to 28 days. At hatching, the chicks are fully covered with down. They are able to leave the nest within about 24 hours of hatching. They can swim upon leaving the nest; flight occurs 6 to 7 weeks later.

For 22 days we’re adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2012. We’re counting up to our 400th species! Today we introduce the Birdorable Hawaiian Goose!

The Hawaiian Goose is the official state bird of Hawaii, where it is called the Nene (or Nēnē). The endemic species is threatened due to over-hunting and predation by non-native species like mongooses and domestic cats. Captive breeding programs are working to reintroduce the species to the islands, and there is hope for the survival of the species.

People can help Hawaiian Geese by watching out for them when traveling through their territory, and by not feeding them. Geese that become habituated or even dependent on people for food are drawn into traffic or other man-made dangers.

Nene Pair by Makuahine Pa'i Ki'i

Tomorrow's bird is the national bird of Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean. Can you guess what it will be?

Today’s bird, and the 10th species in the Birdorable Bonanza, is the Pink-footed Goose!

Pink Footed Goose by Hilary Chambers

The Pink-footed Goose is a migratory species of goose that breeds in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Norway. The species population has increased dramatically over the past 50 years, mainly due to extra hunting restrictions in their winter range. The Pink-footed Goose featured prominently in the recent birder movie The Big Year. Two of the main characters missed out on seeing the rare vagrant to the United States early in the film (and early in the big birding year). The bird appears again later in the movie as well.

Tomorrow's bird is a quail that can be found in eastern United States and is named after its characteristic whistling call. Can you guess what it will be?

We've just added two new Birdorable coloring pages. The Brown Pelican is a large waterbird that lives along American coasts from Virginia south to Peru. The Greylag Goose is a common goose across Europe and Asia. Go to Coloring Pages to download these two new PDFs. You can check our Meet the Birds page to get some color guidance.

These downloads will be available until 15 June 2011. Check here for more coloring pages. Subscribe to the Birdorable Blog by RSS feed or by email to get notified when new downloads like this are added. Have you used our coloring pages at home, in your classroom, or at an event? We'd love to hear about it! Send us photos of the pages in action, or the final result - we may showcase them on our blog!

On the sixth day of Birdorable, the gift was truly delightful... 6 Greylag Geese-a-Laying! As we joyfully continue our 12 Days of Birdorable, today we're thrilled to welcome the Birdorable Greylag Goose, a brand new addition to our avian celebration.

Embracing the "Six Geese-a-Laying" from the classic "The 12 Days of Christmas" carol, the Greylag Goose serves as a perfect living symbol for this verse. These birds are not only prevalent across much of Europe but also hold a special place in the history of aviculture as the ancestors of the modern domestic Embden Goose.

The Greylag Goose, with its distinctive bulky body and large head, showcases shades of grey on its feathers, punctuated by a pinkish beak and legs, making it a sight of understated beauty in the wild. As one of the largest and oldest of the geese native to the UK and Europe, their presence is a common yet always remarkable sight in wetlands, marshes, and lakes.

In the wild, the Greylag Goose is known for its remarkable parenting skills, with both the male and female sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising their young. The sight of these geese-a-laying during the breeding season is a natural spectacle.

This is the sixth day of our 12 Days of Birdorable holiday event. Previously featured were:

• Five Gold-ringed Tanagers
• Four Calling Birds
• Three French Hens
• Two Turtle Doves
• and A Partridge in a Pear Tree

In this week's featured Birdorable t-shirt design a group of Birdorable Canada Geese form a large Peace Symbol, also known as a Geese Symbol. Support peace on earth in style, with this cute Birdorable peace design. For more funny Birdorables see our funny designs section.

Ah, the timeless joy of "Duck Duck Goose" – a game that many of us remember fondly from our early childhood days. This simple yet exhilarating game, where children sit in a circle and one "it" player walks around tapping heads and declaring "duck" until finally selecting a "goose" to chase them back to their spot, has been a staple of playgrounds and preschools for generations. Today we unveil a delightful new design that brings together the Redhead, Mallard, and Canada Goose, each rendered in the adorable and distinctive Birdorable style. This charming design is not only a nod to the beloved game but also a celebration of the diversity and beauty of bird life, making it perfect for birders, duck aficionados, goose enthusiasts, and birdwatchers alike.

This unique design is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who has a soft spot for ducks and geese or who appreciates the beauty of birds. It's a fun way to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of avian charm. Moreover, it's a fantastic conversation starter and a stylish way to express one's love for the feathered friends that grace our ponds, lakes, and skies.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Birdorable "Duck Duck Goose" design also offers an opportunity to spark interest in ornithology among the younger generation. By blending the playful elements of a well-loved game with the educational value of bird recognition, it encourages children and teens to learn more about the birds around them, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for nature.

In a world where digital distractions are all too common, this design reminds us of the simple pleasures that can be found in the great outdoors, whether it's playing a game of "Duck Duck Goose," or observing the graceful flight of a goose overhead. It celebrates the joy of being present in the moment and reconnecting with the natural world—a message that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced society.

So, whether you're a seasoned birder or someone who cherishes the memories of childhood games, the Birdorable "Duck Duck Goose" design is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. It's a tribute to the playful spirit that lives within us all and the beautiful birds that inspire curiosity, joy, and a sense of adventure.