The coolest residents of Encino

My vote goes to the Canada Geese doing their v-shaped runs across the skies of Encino in the winter months. Hearing their honking in the early morning and then seeing them fly over is one of the pleasures of living here.

These geese are intelligent. I like the way they look at you as if to say “Whaaat?” as they amble over the golf course pooping and looking like they own the place. I will never forget being attacked by an angry male at the Arboretum many years ago. I don’t go looking for trouble but I think he decided I was too close to the nest and he came running at me, hissing. I put a boot out and he pecked hard at it. He made his point and retreated.

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) fly here from the Arctic breeding grounds from late summer though the Fall and they (mostly) will be gone by Spring. Both parents raise their young and protect them from coyotes, hawks and other predators, and families generally stay together for the first season or two during migrations. They mate for life, or until one of them dies, at which point the other may find a new mate. Very impressive. Right now they are doing their morning and evening flights in preparation for flying north.

If you have not made the trip to Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, it is definitely worth it, especially if you proceed through to the Sepulveda Dam. It is a great walk if you avoid the homeless encampments. I took the above photo by the lake. I am not the type to take the guided bird walks myself but if you are interested in this, particularly if you are a teacher, click here and then the Education link. They are free. For further reading about the Wildlife Reserve, click here. If you think geese are pests, this link provides a useful rebuttal.